The security of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has become a contentious issue in KwaZulu-Natal’s political sphere, following a significant reduction in his security detail. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli revealed during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) debate that the provincial government is in high-level talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the decision to reduce the King’s security from 12 guards to just five.
This alarming cut has raised serious concerns about the King’s safety, particularly given the ongoing tensions within the Zulu royal family. In the provincial legislature, Chiliza, a leader of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP), voiced his concerns, highlighting the grave risks the King now faces due to the reduced security.
Ntuli responded, explaining that the security of the King falls under the office of the president, and assured that discussions were actively ongoing to address the situation. “The security of the King falls under the office of the president, and I can confirm that high-level discussions are ongoing to address this critical issue,” Ntuli stated, mentioning that he had engaged with relevant parties on the same day as SOPA, February 28.
Additionally, Ntuli noted that the provincial government is working closely with the King to restructure his office, which includes reviewing the role of the KwaZulu-Natal Royal Household. This restructuring aims to ensure the monarchy is appropriately supported while addressing the King’s security concerns.
The King himself reportedly wrote to President Ramaphosa last month, expressing his discontent over the reduction of his bodyguards. He emphasized that the change was made without his consultation and that he only discovered it while on a visit to Swaziland. His letter stated that the reduction had placed his life in danger, given the ongoing royal family tensions, particularly with his brother Prince Simakade, who claims to be the rightful heir to the throne.
Chiliza added his voice to the growing concern, stressing that the safety of traditional leaders, including the King, must be addressed urgently. He called for the King’s security to be maintained at a level commensurate with his position as the head of the Zulu kingdom. “The issue of shutting down the Royal Household Department is a thorn in our hearts as the Zulu nation,” Chiliza said, criticizing those responsible for the cuts as undermining the King’s dignity.
In response to broader safety concerns, Ntuli revealed that the provincial government has equipped 15 amakhosi (tribal leaders) with CCTV cameras and provided personal protection to 16 high-risk amakhosi. However, with over 300 amakhosi in the province, these measures are seen as insufficient by some.
Meanwhile, in other developments, Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, following a cabinet resolution, confirmed that he had approached the national government for a R2.4 billion guarantee for Ithala Bank’s single depositors. Rodgers criticized political grandstanding surrounding Ithala, stating, “We don’t just stand here and grandstand, we do things, we deliver.”
As discussions surrounding the King’s security continue to unfold, the ongoing political tension in KwaZulu-Natal is expected to remain a focal point for both the royal family and the provincial government.
