Zulu King Misuzulu has announced another “shake-up” in his office, assigning sweeping responsibilities to his trusted confidants.
The dailynews.co.za has seen letters clarifying the responsibilities of Inkosi Malusi Zondi, the Royal Chancellor, and His Royal Highness Prince (HRH) Afrika Zulu of Onkweni, the Royal Vice-Chancellor.
The two leaders were appointed to these positions some time ago, but their responsibilities had not been clarified.
The letter outlines their detailed responsibilities. It shows that the two offices will oversee every aspect of the Kingdom and report directly to the King, with everyone else reporting to them.
It states that the Office of the Royal Chancellor and the Office of the Royal Vice-Chancellor are jointly responsible for administering the Zulu Kingdom as a whole and take their instructions directly from the King.
The letter shows that HRH Prince Afrika Zulu and Inkosi Zondi will be responsible for, among other things, leading economic-development plans under the royal house, managing the royal houses, overseeing international relations and ensuring the King’s security.
In a letter from His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, he stated that the Office of the Royal Chancellor and the Office of the Royal Vice-Chancellor report directly to him.
“The Royal Chancellor and the Royal Vice-Chancellor are each directly accountable to us for fulfilling their royal mandate,” the letter states.
Among the responsibilities outlined is leading key clusters on behalf of the royal house.
The two officials will oversee the Crown’s economic and social-development agenda through engagement with the government, public institutions and the private sector. They will promote investment, employment, entrepreneurship, localisation, skills development and the beneficiation of communities.
The letter states that they will “ensure that investments proposed in the name of the Crown, involving royal assets or requiring royal endorsement, are assessed and undertaken in accordance with our wishes, the necessary approvals and applicable law”.
They will engage investors and relevant authorities on developments affecting the Kingdom and its communities, ensuring that the Crown’s position is properly represented and that community interests are taken into account.
Furthermore, they will oversee the Crown’s relations with the government, business, diplomatic representatives and cultural institutions, both within South Africa and internationally, and promote cultural diplomacy, trade, investment and partnerships that strengthen the standing of the Zulu Kingdom.
The letter added that the town leader would also oversee royal liaison with amakhosi, traditional councils, towns, municipalities, hotels and hospitality establishments on matters affecting the Crown and community welfare.
“Under our direction, oversee and review the performance of the Office of the Traditional Prime Minister and other royal offices, councils, committees and representatives entrusted with royal duties,” it states.
The letter further added that the two officials would defend the Crown against threats, unlawful interference, malicious misrepresentation and any conduct intended to undermine the King or the royal institution.
“They will respond firmly and promptly through authorised communication, diplomacy, legal remedies and engagement with the appropriate authorities. They will oversee royal communications, protocol and responses to false or damaging claims, ensuring that statements issued on behalf of the Crown are accurate, dignified and properly authorised.
“They will also oversee the coordination and review of protective arrangements for the King and the Royal Family, working with the responsible state protection services, authorised security providers and officials of the Royal Household.
“They will safeguard the dignity, reputation and public image of the King, the Royal Family and the Zulu Kingdom by every lawful means available.”
His Royal Highness Prince Afrika Zulu, the Royal Vice-Chancellor of the Zulu Kingdom, said King Misuzulu kaZwelithini had issued a clear directive on how the affairs of the Zulu Kingdom should be coordinated and reported going forward.
“The directive is intended to bring greater order, accountability and efficiency to the administration of the Kingdom. His Majesty has made it clear that all offices and structures operating under his authority must work within a coordinated system of reporting and communication.
“The Offices of the Royal Chancellor and Royal Vice-Chancellor have been entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating these matters and ensuring that His Majesty receives the necessary information and advice to make informed decisions.”
“Our responsibility as chancellors is to carry out His Majesty’s instructions faithfully, promote co-operation among all stakeholders and ensure that the interests of the Zulu nation remain at the centre of our work,” he concluded.