Statement by
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP
Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation
It has come to the attention of the Zulu Royal Family that a parallel process of meetings has been instituted, at the instance of HRH Prince Mbonisi and his sister HRH Princess Thembi, children of His Majesty King Cyprian Bhekuzulu ka Solomon, father of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu.
These meetings have captured the media’s interest and created confusion within the Zulu Nation. In an article published in Ilanga on Monday, Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi announced another meeting taking place, purportedly of the Royal Family, in Ulundi on the 24th of April. It was reported that they were dealing with the issue of who can assist the Regent.
Unfortunately, this parallel process is being run without the authority or sanction of her Majesty Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, whom His Majesty the King indicated should lead the Nation at this time, or of the other 5 widows of the King. Neither the Queen Mother, Mayvis (MaZungu), the widow of King Cyprian – who is our matriarch – nor I, as traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, knew about these meetings. They have not even been attended by the late King’s Personal Assistant, Prince Thulani ka Gqikazi ka Solomon ka Dinuzulu, nor the King’s remaining paternal uncle, Prince Philemon ka Tshelendoda ka Dinuzulu, and a number of other senior members of the Royal Family.
Moreover, the matter of assistance to Her Majesty Queen Mantfombi has already been dealt with in an official meeting of the Zulu Royal Family which took place at the palace where the Queen resides, and which was attended by all senior members of the family, including Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi.
Considering the confusion that has been created by these unauthorised parallel meetings arranged by Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi, I requested Minutes of such meetings to determine why they are being held. While the media seems to know details, I have not yet received a copy of the requested Minutes.
The Royal Family is deeply concerned by these unauthorised meetings, as it is felt that they are mischievous and an inception of division within the family. In addition, they undermine the authority of Her Majesty the Queen who now leads the nation. It appears that such action seeks to torpedo His Majesty the King’s own wishes and arrangements.
The Royal Family will request a meeting with Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi, as they were unfortunately unable to attend yesterday’s meeting of the family due to medical reasons. However, the family felt that it was important to clarify its position to the Zulu Nation, in order to undo any confusion that has been created.
