The leader of the Baptist Nazareth Church, Mduduzi Shembe, proposed reconciliation to the AmaZulu King Misuzulu Kazvelatini after the king called him an 'idiot'. This occurred after a video recording of their verbal altercation, allegedly filmed by his queen Nomzamo Mayeni, became public.
In the viral social media clip, the king addressed Shembe as an 'idiot', accusing his wife of infidelity with a church member named Masango. During the argument, the king appeared intoxicated, holding a bottle of green beer, which drew criticism from the public for inappropriate behavior for his status.
As part of efforts to mitigate the negative fallout, the king immediately sent envoys with official apologies, which Shembe accepted. On Monday, Shembe instructed the church elders to visit the king with an invitation. The head of the delegation stated that the church leader was ready to meet the king at any time convenient for him for an informal discussion.
The delegation also condemned the person who filmed and distributed the video without naming Mayeni. Through his representative, Mpikaize Butelezi, the king welcomed Shembe's gesture of reconciliation and promised to visit the church leader for tea.
During last week's weekly sermon, Shembe downplayed the significance of the incident, calling for calm. He stated that he understood the king's state of intoxication and warned against further disputes and spreading the topic. He noted that he had previously forgiven people who insulted him while sober, and therefore forgave the king, considering his alcohol-induced condition.
The king is a baptized member of a church known for its strict policy regarding alcohol consumption, prohibiting members from drinking alcoholic beverages. The church, widely known as Shembe, is considered one of the largest and wealthiest in Africa. The king himself has not been free from scandals: in March of last year, he was filmed in a verbal altercation with his biological sister, Princess Nomkosi Zulu, where he shouted at her to leave the house. This incident also went viral but was later settled between the parties with the involvement of royal elders.
King AmaZulu Misuzulu kaZvelatini has once again removed his Traditional Prime Minister, the Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi. This was announced on Tuesday morning by the King's press secretary, Mphikazi Buthelezi.
The statement says that His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZvelatini has officially terminated the appointment of the Reverend Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi as the Traditional Prime Minister (uNdunanqulu) of the Zulu Nation. This decision was made by the King in accordance with Clause 7 of the Appointment and Mandate Agreement dated December 2, 2025, which grants His Majesty the exclusive right to terminate the appointment with written notice.
As a result of this decision, the Reverend Buthelezi is relieved of all duties, responsibilities, and powers associated with the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister.
The King expressed sincere gratitude to the Reverend Buthelezi for the services rendered during his tenure as Traditional Prime Minister and wished him success in future endeavors. The King also stated complete confidence in the leadership qualities, wisdom, and unwavering commitment of Inkosi Patisiдзе Chilise to the Zulu throne.
He also addressed all members of the Royal House, amakhosi, izinduna, traditional structures, and the entire Zulu Nation, urging them to offer comprehensive cooperation and support to the newly appointed Traditional Prime Minister as he takes on this important responsibility.
The concluding part of the statement indicates that with immediate effect, all official correspondence, events, and matters concerning the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister must be directed to Inkosi Patisiдзе Chilise in his capacity as the Traditional Prime Minister (uNdunanqulu) of the Zulu Nation.
Buthelezi, who is a senior member of the IFP and Minister of Joint Governance and Traditional Affairs of KwaZulu-Natal, was first appointed as Traditional Prime Minister in early 2024, but was removed in December of the same year.
