The power struggle between Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi continues unabated. Following Zwelithini's decision to sever ties with his uncle and adviser Buthelezi, the latter uses his influence in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial assembly, where the IFP as the majority party, pushed through legislation, which effectively reduces the power of Zwelithini. The House of Traditional Leaders Act, passed in late October, provided for the establishment of an essentially advisory council composed of all Zulu chiefs.

The act virtually took away his supreme status as the overall leader of all Zulu Chiefs. A royal spokesperson, Chief Sifiso Zulu, issued an ultimatum that the IFP should repeal the Act or immediately face the consequences of its actions. Zulu threatened the IFP with embarrassing public disclosures. Describing the effects of the Act as a coup of the KwaZulu monarchy, he argues that the legislation was drafted without proper consultation. The IFP announced that the House of Traditional Leaders is to go ahead despite strong opposition from the African National Congress (ANC) and the King. The passing of the Act was seen as a punishment to Zwelithini who was getting closer to the ANC leadership, since its unbanning, in spite of the declaration that the royal family has to be apolitical. The Act was later amended after intervention from the presidency.

Source:

1. Fraser, R. (1994). Keesing's Records of World Events: Longman: London, p. 40264.