ZULU MONARCHY IN TURMOIL: KING MISUZULU FACES VIDEO OUTRAGE AS THULASIZWE BUTHELEZI IS BOOTED AGAIN

Palace calls viral clip “private” while nation demands leadership. Chiliza replaces Buthelezi as Traditional Prime Minister

The Zulu throne is in turmoil. A video of King Misuzulu has sparked outrage. Hours later, Thulasizwe Buthelezi was removed as Traditional PM. Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza takes over. What does this mean for the future of the Zulu Nation?

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief

The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.  

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DURBAN – The Zulu throne is facing two storms at once. A video currently circulating on social media shows King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in a heated verbal confrontation with his wife, Queen Nomzamo Myeni-Zulu.

Hours later, the palace announced that Thulasizwe Buthelezi has been removed for a second time as Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation, with Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza appointed in his place.

The twin developments have sparked outrage, debate and soul-searching across KwaZulu-Natal about the direction of one of Africa’s most historic monarchies.

The footage, which The Azanian has viewed, depicts the king shouting and using abusive language toward the queen. It is not clear when or where the video was recorded. The queen appears to be the one recording.

The palace responded through a statement, describing the clip as a “private video” and apologizing for its release into the public domain.

But for many Zulus, the explanation did little to calm tensions.

“How can a king behave like that?” asked an elder in Nongoma. “The king is supposed to be the father of the nation. He must set the example for our children.”

This is not the first time the king has been filmed in a verbal altercation. Previous clips have also surfaced online. Critics say a pattern is forming at a time when the monarchy should be projecting unity and dignity.

The Zulu monarchy traces its lineage to King Shaka, who built an empire in just 12 years. His warriors defeated the British at Isandlwana in 1879. That legacy of discipline and leadership is now being weighed against viral videos and palace apologies.

Unlike a private citizen, the Zulu king is funded by the South African taxpayer. The royal household, palaces, security and ceremonies all depend on public money.

That is why many argue there is a public interest when the conduct of the monarch becomes a matter of national discussion.

Other monarchies around the world — from Britain to Japan to eSwatini — have turned royalty into tourism and cultural capital worth billions. For that to work, the institution must command respect both at home and abroad.

“When Zwelithini passed, we saw amabutho in the streets and the world was amazed,” said a cultural leader in Pietermaritzburg. “Now what are we showing the world? Fights and apologies.”

The palace has not disputed the authenticity of the latest video. It has only asked for privacy. But privacy ends where public trust and public funding begin.

As the video debate raged, the king’s office dropped another bombshell.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini announced that Thulasizwe Buthelezi has been removed as Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation, effective immediately.

The king said Buthelezi has been “released from all duties, responsibilities, and authority associated with the office.” 

His replacement is Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, a traditional leader and senior Umkhonto weSizwe party figure in KwaZulu-Natal. Until now, Chiliza served as Deputy Traditional Prime Minister.

The position of Traditional Prime Minister is one of the most senior offices in the Zulu kingdom. The holder serves as the king’s principal adviser on customary matters and oversees the administration of the royal household.

This marks another turn in an ongoing leadership saga. Buthelezi was appointed to the role in 2024, later dismissed, reinstated, and has now been relieved of his duties again.

The king’s office expressed appreciation to Buthelezi for the services he rendered during his tenure and extended best wishes for his future endeavours. The statement also said the king has “full confidence in Inkosi Chiliza’s leadership, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to the Zulu throne.”

It is not yet clear whether the position of Deputy Traditional Prime Minister will be filled following Chiliza’s promotion.

King Misuzulu’s reign has been turbulent from the start. After King Goodwill Zwelithini died in March 2021, the royal family was torn apart by succession battles and court cases. Misuzulu eventually ascended — his name meaning “one who strengthens and unites the Zulu nation.”

Four years later, many say unity remains elusive.The removal of Buthelezi, a man who served close to the late King Zwelithini for decades, signals that the king is asserting control over his inner circle. But it also raises questions about stability within the royal administration.

The king has not made a public statement beyond the palace apology on the video and the announcement on Buthelezi. Queen Nomzamo has also not commented publicly.

But the questions are not going away. What example is being set for Zulu youth? How will the new Traditional Prime Minister steady the royal household? And how does the kingdom recover its image at home and internationally?

For now, the crown is under scrutiny. And 12 million Zulus are watching.

Because a throne is not about one man. It is about 200 years of history, millions of people, and the future of a kingdom that the world still looks to with respect.

That future deserves leadership that reflects the dignity of the amabutho who stood at Isandlwana and the wisdom of the kings who came before.