King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has dismissed Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi from his position as the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation. The announcement was made in a letter dated December 25, 2024, with the king stating that reasons for the dismissal would be shared with traditional leaders and the nation in due course, as the uMkhosi observance continues until the end of January 2025.

Buthelezi, who also serves as the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, was appointed as traditional prime minister in January 2024, following the death of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in September 2023. In addition to Buthelezi's dismissal, King Misuzulu has suspended members of the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB), including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pending an investigation into alleged potential breaches of the Public Finance Management Act. The king indicated that interim governance responsibilities would be overseen by himself and the remaining unaffected board member.

The ITB members have contested the king's authority to suspend them, stating that he does not have the power to take such action within the Ingonyama Trust. This development follows reports of tensions between Buthelezi and the provincial government, with concerns that his actions were undermining the stability of the KwaZulu-Natal coalition government. Earlier this month, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, who is also the IFP’s provincial chairperson, halted the official opening of Buthelezi’s Ulundi office, a move seen as asserting authority over the MEC. The Zulu nation now anticipates the appointment of a successor to Buthelezi as traditional prime minister. King Misuzulu has urged unity during this transitional period.