KwaZulu King Thulasizwe Buthelezi has denied allegations of leading a smear campaign against King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. In a statement released on Monday, the KwaZulu Monarch's spokesperson accused Buthelezi of orchestrating a campaign to discredit the King. The allegations surfaced after the national government relocated the Heritage Day event from KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape. According to reports, King Misuzulu wanted President Cyril Ramaphosa to speak after him at the event.
The Heritage Day event was initially supposed to be held in KwaZulu-Natal and coincide with the Lembe Cultural Festival. However, the event was relocated to the Western Cape. The KwaZulu Monarch's spokesperson alleged that a smear campaign against King Misuzulu and a divide-and-rule tactic among traditional leaders began after Buthelezi's removal as KwaZulu Monarch in July. This was his second removal from the throne, having previously occupied it in 2024 before being reinstated.
Several incidents have tarnished King Misuzulu's image since Buthelezi's removal. A video surfaced showing an individual close to Buthelezi, Nomzamo Myeni Zulu, insulting King Misuzulu. Another video showed King Misuzulu playing with what appeared to be a gun at his birthday celebration. A third video showed one of Buthelezi's allies, allegedly, playing with a knife.
Buthelezi's spokesperson, Mpikayise Buthelezi, expressed concern over the smear campaign against King Misuzulu and urged traditional leaders not to allow themselves to be divided. He stated that such actions would not have occurred when Buthelezi was still the KwaZulu Monarch. Mpikayise Buthelezi called on traditional leaders to stand united and not allow themselves to be manipulated.
In response to the allegations, Buthelezi pointed fingers at Arnold Nododile Ndamase, who is said to be in charge of King Misuzulu's office. Buthelezi accused Ndamase of tarnishing his image and disrespecting traditional leaders. He denied allegations that traditional leaders were divided from King Misuzulu, stating that they continued to support the monarch.
Ndamase denied releasing the statement attributed to him, claiming it was issued by Mpikayise Buthelezi. He urged Buthelezi to come clean on the allegations and stop hiding. Ndamase emphasized that he respected traditional leaders and their role, adding that he was only responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of King Misuzulu's office.
The spat between Buthelezi and Ndamase has raised concerns about the stability of the KwaZulu monarchy. The two parties have traded accusations, with Buthelezi denying any wrongdoing and Ndamase calling for transparency. The situation remains unclear, with many watching to see how the matter will unfold.
Key points
- KwaZulu King Thulasizwe Buthelezi denies allegations of leading a smear campaign against King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
- The allegations surfaced after the national government relocated the Heritage Day event from KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape.
- Buthelezi and Ndamase have traded accusations, with Buthelezi denying any wrongdoing and Ndamase calling for transparency.
