AmaZulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini has finally clarified the continued presence of his former Private Secretary, Arnold Nododile in the royal family despite the announcement of his dismissal by the Traditional Prime Minister Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi a week ago.
Speaking during a meeting attended by Buthelezi and other princes at the weekend, the king personally addressed Nododile’s presence, dismissing any notions that he was expelled.
In an audio clip that was shared by Nododile after the meeting, the king put the matter to bed by telling his Prime Minister that Nododile was still very much part of the royal family proceedings.
“Let me emphasise this, Ndamase (Nododile) is not fired. Ndamase has other duties that he would perform here in the royal family. I am saying this to dispel concerns that there is a vacant position here, Ndamase would remain here and continue to provide services to the crown,” said the king.
Despite the announcement of his removal last week, which was announced by Buthelezi in a statement, Nododile continued his work at his office at Mashobeni palace and attended high profile meetings with the king, including an event where the king met with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli recently. In that meeting, the king is said to have also informed the Premier that he must continue communicating with Nododile with regard to the king’s activities.
The king’s clarity raises questions about whether he sanctioned the statement that was issued by his Prime Minister about the closure of the king’s Private Office which Nododile headed. Buthelezi’s statement was immediately denied by both Nododile and the Royal Chancellor inkosi Malusi Zondi. In the statement, Buthelezi had also announced the removal of Zondi.
Their controversial removal was followed by another statement by the king’s spokesperson Prince Thulani which emphasised the closure of the Private Office and the announcement of king’s new diary controller, Prince Khishwangubani Zulu from the Gazini royal residence.
It is unclear whether the new prince has assumed his duties as Nododile is always seen next to the king and leads the king’s salutation in line with the protocol.
Prince Thulani also announced that there would be new roles for inkosi Zondi and Prince Africa Zulu, who was Vice Chancellor.
Although no official announcement has been made on what these new positions will entail, Prince Zulu announced last week that Zondi has been promoted to a new role. In the announcement, Zulu said a new delegation of princes would be led by Prince Africa of Onkweni palace to inform Zondi of his new role, however, no official announcement regarding Zondi’s new position has been made.
Last week, royal insiders said Zondi and Prince Africa would continue with their roles but not under the titles of Royal Chancellor and Vice Chancellor respectively. The sources said that they would be known as Iso leSilo (king’s representatives) in urban areas of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, working hand in hand with hostel headmen and various government entities.
The pair would also, on behalf of the king, meet with private businesses to negotiate for better working conditions of Zulu employees and they will use the Embelebeni royal palace in KwaMashu as their operational centre.
There was speculation that the removal of the two senior officials, who formed part of the decision-making structure in the royal family known as the Prime Minister Executive Council, was a result of the intense power struggle between council members over their proximity to the king and access to the king’s diary, which was controlled by Nododile.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za
