KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has been fired again from his position of Traditional Prime Minister by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. In his place the King has appointed Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza.
Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature have welcomed King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's decision to remove Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) member Thulasizwe Buthelezi as Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch.
The King's decision to appoint Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, who also serves as the MKP's leader in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, was met with applause from MKP legislators during Wednesday's sitting.
Relations between the MKP and the IFP have remained strained since the IFP formed the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal alongside the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA) and, until recently, the National Freedom Party (NFP). The MKP has repeatedly criticised the coalition, accusing the IFP of abandoning its political mandate.
During the legislature sitting, four MKP members openly celebrated Buthelezi's removal, despite the former Traditional Prime Minister being present in the chamber.
