FOLLOWING the squabbles between King Misuzulu and his traditional prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the ANC in KZN has tasked former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize to play a mediation role.
They said Dr Mkhize has been performing such a responsibility with utmost respect behind closed doors without side public commentary.
Buthelezi and King Misuzulu are currently fighting over Ingonyama Trust Board, and this has resulted in Buthelezi not signing court battle affidavits supporting King Misuzulu in his throne battle against Prince Simakade.
After the quarrel, the King reappointed Prince Africa fired in 2022 after he fought with Buthelezi.
Prince Africa and Mangosuthu recently released contradicting statements about Misuzulu's health after the King's rights man Induna Douglas Xaba died in poisoning suspicions.
In the statement issued by KZN ANC on Monday, 3 July, the party confirmed that it had tasked Dr Mkhize to mediate in the Zulu royal house.
“We wish to confirm that the ANC tasked former premier and former MEC for Royal Household Department, Dr Zweli Mkhize, to play a mediation role.
“We identified Dr Zweli Mkhize because he is an elder who has a cordial relationship with Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, isilo Musuzulu and the departed King. Prince Buthelezi can attest to this," the statement read.
Their statement was responding to the IFP-led Zululand District Mayor Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi who released a statement, saying Africa is an ANC project.
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“The emergence of prince as a self-styled spin doctor of the royal family spells disaster for the Zulu nation.
“Prince Africa’s persistent trend of undermining the authority and contracting the public statements of the king’s prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, is a politically calculated ploy sponsored by the ANC in KZN,” he said.
In a statement, the ANC in KZN rejected Buthelezi's claims.
King Misuzulu spokesman Prince Africa Zulu told Daily Sun that the ANC could mediate, but there is no rift between Misuzulu and Buthelezi.
“They can only mediate by convincing Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to accept the King's decision to appoint Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela as Ingonyama Trust board chairman.
“It all started when the King appointed Mzimela, and Mzimela is not going anywhere. The King’s decision will not be changed,” he said.
Prince Africa rejected the ANC project claims.
Buthelezi spokeswoman Liezl Van Der Merve told Daily Sun they would release a statement.
