Zulu Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi lashed out at the media for speculating about him resigning from his position.

Buthelezi yesterday briefed the media following numerous media reports that he had a fallout with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini over the appointment of the chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust Board.

Buthelezi wanted former chairperson Jerome Ngwenya to retain the position but Misuzulu opted for a different choice in Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela.

“It has been prompted by rumours and speculation that I have relinquished my position as traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch and nation; that His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has asked me to do so; or that I have requested permission to do so. None of this speculation has any basis in truth. It is premised, from what I can understand, on discussions between the King and I on Sunday the 14th of May.

“I must point out that when His Majesty the King meets with his prime minister, or writes to his prime minister, the content of discussions is not intended for public consumption and is by its very nature private and confidential. Yet this has not stopped anyone from pretending to know what His Majesty and I discussed, or from publishing rumours claiming to be reports on our private discussions,” said Buthelezi.

He added that there was nothing new in attempts to drive a wedge between the king and himself.

“I have seen these attempts many times over almost 70 years in service. Greed for power and money has always been at the centre of it. I have endured unjust attacks and hateful experiences for the greater part of my life because of the position I hold as the king’s prime minister. I have tolerated it because I am committed to serving and protecting my king and my nation,” he explained.

Buthelezi said there was no personal benefit to holding the prime minister position. There was no salary attached to it, and there never has been.

He further stated that the media report compromised the court case of King MisuZulu by publishing confidential correspondence between the two parties.

“The matter is sub judice and will be heard in court in the next few days. I have no intention of speaking about this case in the media,” he said referring to Prince Simakade Zulu’s court case, who is contesting the throne.

He added that the matters relating to the Ingonyama Trust Board will be fully aired in his meeting with Amakhosi in Empangeni on Friday.