Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Lashes Out at Zulu Royal Family Members
- Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has reacted to the news that some members of the Zulu royal family excluded him from a recent secret meeting
- Princess Thembi and Prince Mbonisi told members of the media that they did not invite the traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarchy meeting because he allegedly treats them like toddlers
- Buthelezi said the prince and princess "appear to consider themselves the royal family"
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Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has lashed out at king Goodwill Zwelithini's siblings, Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi. The traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarchy and nation said Prince Mbonisi and Princess Thembi "appear to consider themselves the royal family".
Source: Facebook
Buthelezi was responding to comments made during an impromptu press briefing convened by the two siblings of the late king.
IOL reports that during the conference, Princess Thembi, Prince Mbonisi and little-known Prince Thokozani expressed that they were hurt that the alleged poisoning of disputed Queen Regent Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu was being indirectly pinned on them.
They also told the media why they excluded Buthelezi from a secret meeting they held earlier. Princess Thembi claimed Buthelezi doesn't give them space to freely discuss matters and treats them like toddlers.
"He would belittle you, make you feel like a toddler in front of people and shoot you down if you have a view he does not like," she said.
News24 reports that Buthelezi said the claim was "quite outlandish". He challenged her to quote a single instance in which he "shot anyone down during a family meeting".
Buthelezi said Princess Thembi's reasons for excluding him from their meeting seemed strange. Buthelezi also denied that the queen was poisoned.
"Toxins are not the same thing as poison..."
He added that the cause of the queen's death has not been disclosed yet.
A few social media users shared their thoughts on the whole drama surrounding Buthelezi and the royal family. Check out some of their comments below:
@Thando12609068 said:
"Ungenaphi? Is he Zulu? This old man is such a stage wh*re. Uhlanganaphi nje. The Zulu family is correct, he's an autocratic bully who wants the spotlight all the time. They must exclude him from any family talks."
@sleezy_season commented:
"He is their uncle through Princess Magogo. And he was appointed as a Traditional Prime-minister/uNdunankulu by his Nephew King Zwelithini. Akuna meeting emayelana nesihlalo sobukhosi ezobanjwa engekho uShenge & other council members. Stop being ignorant."
@JanSmuts6 wrote:
"Zulu war is coming...."
@masango1 added:
"Toxins=poison."
In related news, Briefly News reported that premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala has submitted a request to the Presidency to declare a state funeral for Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu.
Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, Regent of Zulu Nation, passed away on Thursday and the nation is in mourning. A statement released by the Royal Family on Thursday confirmed the passing of Queen Mantfombi and the country was shocked.
Zikalala wanted to honour the queen with a state funeral to acknowledge the important role she played for the Zulu people, according to the SABC. After the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini, his wife Mantfombi was given the royal seat as regent and the nation rejoiced at this news. It was comforting for many to know that the queen would be taking on the royal responsibilities of the family.
KZN provincial government spokesperson Lennox Mabaso confirmed the submission of the request from Zikalala and the Presidency is considering it, according to The Sowetan. Earlier, Briefly News reported that in the wake of the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini, the Zulu royal household has been plunged into chaos.
A fierce battle is being waged over who will succeed the late king. The fight to decide who takes the throne has gone to the Pietermaritzburg High Court. MaDlamini, Zwelithini's first wife, is challenging the will which dictates who will take the throne.
A cultural expert, Shihawu Ngubane recently shared his professional opinion on the sudden passing of Queen Mantfombi, who died on Thursday this week. According to Ngubane, the royal family needs to appoint a successor to the throne immediately.
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Source: Briefly News
