KING Misuzulu has expressed his disappointment following the dismissal of his praise singer and cultural adviser, Buzetsheni Mdletshe by the KZN government.
This after Mdletshe refused to comply with an order from ANC KZN chairman, Siboniso Duma, which would have breached Zulu royal house protocol.
The incident occurred in March 2024 during a King Dinuzulu commemoration in KwaCeza, KZN. Duma interrupted the Zulu monarch traditional prime minister, Reverend Thulasi Buthelezi as he was about to introduce King Misuzulu. He instead ordered Mdletshe to perform the introduction.
But Mdletshe called Duma to order for his disregard of Zulu royal protocol, stating that only the traditional prime minister can introduce the king, followed by the praise singer who then praises the king.
Mdletshe's termination was formalised in a letter dated 18 April 2024, which Daily Sun has seen, and signed by the chief director in IGR and DG Support, LT Mbambo from the office of the premier.
The letter cited significant budget cuts across government departments as the reason for reviewing and ultimately terminating contracts, including the agreement with Mdletshe's company, Mavukefile (Pty) LTD.
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Mdletshe (69) from KwaCeza, KZN, has served as a praise singer since 1977, initially volunteering for King Zwelithini before being officially appointed by the KZN government in 2001. He continued this role for King Misuzulu following King Zwelithini's death in 2021.
He suspects his dismissal is linked to the mic grabbing incident and his refusal to break royal protocol.
Buthelezi expressed his extreme displeasure with the disrespectful manner in which the KZN government continues to treat him.
“In the latest incident, the Office of the Premier has terminated the employment contract of his majesty’s cultural adviser, inyosi Buzetsheni Mdletshe. Mdletshe is in charge of initiating all the sacred rituals that take place before royal ceremonies.
“His majesty is disappointed that the KZN government operates as though the king does not exist. His majesty has instructed the traditional prime minister to ensure that Mdletshe’s services are not lost to the royal family,” said Buthelezi.
He said that Mdletshe is a trusted senior official attached to the king's daily activities.
“His majesty cautions the KZN government that the disdain with which they treat the royal family in general and his majesty in particular is an affront to the Zulu nation,” said Buthelezi.
Daily Sun's efforts to reach out to KZN Office of the premier spokesman, Bongi Gwala, were unsuccessful as his phone rang unanswered and WhatsApp messages were not responded to.
