Prince Mpiyakhe Buthelezi has been officially appointed as the new spokesperson for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini of the AmaZulu royal family, marking the formal conclusion of Prince Thulani Zulu's tenure in that role.

The announcement was made via a statement by Arnold Ndamase, the king’s private secretary and executive director, who emphasized that the appointment ensures accurate and dignified communication aligned with the king's vision.

The transition follows tensions between Prince Thulani Zulu and Ndamase, which culminated in an incident where Thulani accused Ndamase of breaching royal protocol by arranging a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa without his knowledge.This led to Thulani sending a derogatory voice clip to Ndamase, prompting the king to reprimand him and ban him from palace premises.While Thulani acknowledged the king’s right to appoint a new spokesperson, he maintained that Ndamase violated longstanding protocols.The new role for Buthelezi includes representing the king in official capacities and ensuring all communications reflect royal values.This shift underscores the evolving dynamics within the Zulu royal family and its governance structures.