See candidates likely to succeed Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as Zulu traditional prime minister
Following the death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the longest-serving traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarchy, King Misuzulu now has the daunting task of filling the role shortly after the mourning period.
The position is key in the kingdom's hierarchy and has been held by several people from various clans at different times.
However, some historians claim that Buthelezis clan got to hold the position thrice.
First by Inkosi Ngqengelele Buthelezi during the time of King Shaka.
At the time, he worked alongside Ngomane KaMqomboli Mdletshe and Mdlaka KaNcindi Ntshangase.
Soon afterwards, the role was then given to Mnyamana, the son of Inkosi Ngqengelele. Mnyamana served King Mpande but was more prominent during the reign of King Cetshwayo.
After him was Inkosi Mathole Buthelezi, Mangosuthu's father.
But other experts such as Professor Jabulani Maphalala, a Zulu historian, disputes this. They maintain that at the time, the position was held by Mankulumane Ndwandwe.
Inkosi Mathole Buthelezi, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi's father, was married to Princess Magogo KaDinuzulu.
In 1954, the position was bestowed on Mangosuthu by the late King Bhekuzulu. However, according to Professor Maphalala, this stands to be debated as other official records claim otherwise.
During his lifetime, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi repeatedly said he had asked King Goodwill Zwelithini to feel free to appoint his own prime minister but never did.
"Umdlokombane (King Goodwill Zwelithini) never did that, and he kept on utilising me as his prime minister until he passed on," Buthelezi said in 2021, at the height of the fight for the Zulu throne between Prince Simakade and King Misuzulu.
Buthelezi went on to serve under King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
However, even before his death on September 9, there were already signs that the contest for the position under King Misuzulu would be between Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, the son of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and Prince Mthokozisi Mahlobo.
