Xolani Zulu with KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi on the day that Zuu was introduced to the people of Mfulamhle in uMzimkhulu, southern KwaZulu-Natal. The MEC is accused of stoking ethnic tensions, political meddling and causing divisions among amaBhaca ethnic group.
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Inkosi Ntobeko Msingaphantsi, the traditional leader of the amaBhaca in Mzimkhulu, has revealed that a clash with KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has resulted in his salary being punitively withheld since last year.
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Tribune’s sister newspaper, Isolezwe, Inkosi Msingaphantsi responded to the friction caused by the MEC’s recognition of Xolani Zulu as a traditional leader in Mfulamhle, Mzimkhulu. The amaBhaca are an ethnic group distinct from the Zulus, despite sharing certain cultural similarities.
AMABHACA traditional leader Inkosi Ntobeko Msingaphantsi claims KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department has stopped paying his salary and of izinduna in the Mfulamhle in Mzimkhulu as a punitive measure for standing up to Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
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Inkosi Msingaphantsi explained that he registered for the year-long Leadership and Good Governance Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) last year. The initiative, held in collaboration with KZN Cogta, aims to equip traditional leaders with governance and service delivery skills. However, he was forced to withdraw from the course, fearing for his safety as the Mfulamhle conflict intensified.
Shortly after submitting a letter detailing his reasons for dropping out, he received notice that his salary would be summarily withheld. He accused Buthelezi of using their fallout over the Mfulamhle matter as a pretext to stop his payments.
"I haven’t received a salary since last year. But I am surviving; I want for nothing because of my people. I know that what is happening is due to Buthelezi wanting me to surrender the issue of Mfulamhle," said Inkosi Msingaphantsi. He added that since his salary was cut, several Izinduna in the area have suffered the same fate.
"I am tired of the MEC now. Something must happen. I am ready for anything; I do not care, because I won’t allow this man to abuse me," the leader stated.
Inkosi Msingaphantsi accused Buthelezi of distorting amaBhaca history, asserting that Zulu’s traditional authority belongs in KwaNokweja, not Mzimkhulu. "This boy’s father, Wilberforce Zulu, arrived in Mfulamhle around 2000 from KwaNokweja. He ended up being an Induna in Mfulamhle," he said.
He remains mystified as to why the MEC accorded Wilberforce Zulu the status of Inkosi during his interment, claiming he was never one while alive. Following the funeral, the Inkosi says he was contacted by the deceased’s son, Xolani, who requested a meeting. Msingaphantsi informed him that because he had not performed the necessary traditional grieving rites, he could not enter the Inkosi’s premises.
"I then told him that I would come see him. When we arrived, Xolani shocked us by asking to take over his father’s position as Induna of Mfulamhle."
The request was rejected on the grounds that an Induna position is not hereditary in that manner. Following this, Buthelezi summoned Inkosi Msingaphantsi and his council, informing them that there were now five Amakhosi in Mzimkhulu, with Xolani Zulu being the fifth.
"In that meeting, when I asked Buthelezi how this happened, he answered that the Zulu royal house considered it great that this boy be made Inkosi since his father, Wilberforce, was a great friend of the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. When we asked if that is how an Inkosi is installed, he did not answer."
In response, KZN Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila stated: "Msingaphantsi is not an Inkosi. He served as regent until his tenure ended. The family has appointed an Inkosi. Once all necessary processes are complete, the Inkosi will be officially introduced and installed."