Traditional Zulu Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has accused the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga of sabotaging his meeting with amakhosi scheduled for Friday in Empangeni. Prince Buthelezi alleges that Inkosi Shinga has approached traditional leaders in the province encouraging them to not attend the imbizo.

SABOTAGE

"It has been brought to my attention by several amakhosi of the Zulu Kingdom that the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga has approached them urging them not to attend the meeting I have called as the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch, and Nation which will be taking place in Empangeni on Friday," Buthelezi said. Buthelezi went on to say that he does not understand Shinga’s actions. "I cannot understand his reason for doing this, nor can I fathom the authority of the chairperson to override my position as Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation. I have called meetings of amakhosi in this capacity for decades," he added. According to Buthelezi, a number of amakhosi told him that they received text messages purportedly from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) instructing them not to attend the meeting on Friday. "Under the circumstances, it is urgent that I assure amakhosi and all those who have been invited to attend, that the meeting will go ahead as scheduled," he said. "Their presence is, therefore, most welcome, out of respect for their right to be informed on matters affecting our Kingdom," he said.

INGONYAMA TRUST NEW CHAIRPERSON

Buthelezi and King Misuzulu KaZwelithini’s relationship is reportedly strained lately over the appointment of Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela as the new chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust board. The allegations have since been denied by Buthelezi, Mzimela, and King Misuzulu. Buthelezi further distanced himself from the allegations that he wanted former Ingonyama Trust Chair Jerome Ngwenya to stay in his position. Yesterday Misuzulu addressed the nation and assured the public that the land under Ingonyama Trust will not be sold.

Misuzulu further used the address to announce the new board members of Ingonyama Trust. Advocate Linda Zama was announced as the new deputy chairperson, Inkosi Mabudu Tembe, Dr Thandi Dlamini, Nomusa Zulu, Dandy Matamela, Inkosi Phalleng Molefe, Inkosi Sibonelo Mkhize, and Lisa Del Grande were announced as the new members of the board. "As a King, I have a deep opinion about the future of my father’s nation, and the use of the land. In this land controlled by the trust, there are mines that produce minerals and businesses that operate on our people’s land but those who live in these areas do not benefit from them. I would like to assure you bantu bakaMdlokombane that this land will not be sold. Like I said before nibezwe but ningabalaleli, (hear them out but don’t listen to them)" he said.