Shembe Leader Warns Against Filming King Mzuzulu in Private Moments

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.

Official Notice of Removal

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.

Wishes and New Appointments

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.

Instructions for Official Correspondence

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's Previous Activities

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.

The Zulu royalty issued an official apology after a video recording surfaced online in which King AmaZulu Misuzulu Kazvelatini lashed out with harsh remarks at his third wife, Queen Nomzamo Mahini-Zulu. This video quickly spread across South African social media despite requests for confidentiality that arrived too late.

Details of the Incident

The video appeared on July 9th and was filmed inside the Royal Palace of Hangelamankengane in Nongoma, in the northern province of KwaZulu-Natal. The recording shows the King, clearly intoxicated and holding a green beer bottle, incoherently accusing Queen Nomzamo of infidelity, threatening her with physical violence, and ordering her to leave the palace.

Content of the Confrontation

A translation into English published by The Witness on July 10th details this confrontation. The King stated: 'She is there without permission. When you are someone's wife, you ask where you want to go. At least tell your husband instead of him seeing you on social media.' In another segment, he said: 'The Zulu are unhappy with her. I want her to leave my house. I have no wife here. You are full of nonsense. You pretend to be innocent, but you stink.'

He also called the church leader Shembe 'islima' (fool) and promised to stop providing her financial support. A second woman is also present in the video, who apparently tried to calm the situation. Queen Nomzamo, who was reportedly filming the meeting, was heard saying: 'This is the life I must live day and night.'

Royal Court Reaction

In a statement from the royalty on July 10th, these recordings were described as 'historically significant,' and it was announced that the couple had reconciled since then. The videos appeared on July 9th while the King and Queen were hosting the BOSA delegation led by Mmusisi Maimane at the same palace. The King admitted that his remarks during an 'emotionally tense moment' 'did not meet the dignity, restraint, and propriety expected of a monarch,' and apologized for the 'deep pain, disappointment, and embarrassment' caused.

Senior royal elders were dispatched to apologize to Unyazi LveZulu, the leader of the Ebuhleni faction of the Shembe church. The acting press secretary Inkosi Mpikayisi Buthelezi told eNCA that no one had the right to film the King, calling for privacy. Despite the King's apologies, the couple continued joint official engagements, which the palace stated reflects their shared commitment to the monarchy.