Amazulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has elevated inkosi Malusi Zondi from being ‘his eye’ to the position of Royal Chancellor.
Zondi, a well known businessman in Durban and president of the Black Business Forum, was recently appointed as the king’s representative in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. He was tasked with looking after the interests of the king’s subjects in these two major cities in KwaZulu-Natal.
The king announced Zondi’s new position during the official installation of inkosi Praisegod Ngcobo on Saturday. The king said that Zondi has a new role in the Zulu kingdom and will strive to create good relations with other kingdoms.
“I wish to inform amakhosi ( traditional leaders) about Zondi’s new role. Initially, I had appointed him as my ‘eye’, however, now I have decided to remove him from that position and make him a Royal Chancellor,” said Misuzulu.
The position had previously been held by another businessman Mageza Mbambo who owns the popular eatery, Mushroom Lounge in Umhlanga. It is unclear what happened to Mbambo.
Among Zondi’s responsibilities will be to forge business partnerships and economic initiatives to promote growth and community development in the Zulu kingdom.
He will also represent the king and the kingdom in diplomatic matters both locally and internationally to strengthen relations with other monarchies, governments and global institutions.
Zondi will also act as a royal ambassador, serving as principal envoy to promote the kingdom’s interests, image, cultural heritage and of the Zulu kingdom on international platforms.
Zondi is a descendent of inkosi Bhambatha kaManciza Zondi. His initial appointment to the position of the king’s eye was described as a restoration of the historical ties between the Zulu royal family and Zondi clan. These relations dates back to 1906, during the poll tax war between inkosi Bhambatha and the British government. Bhambatha led the bloody resistance against the tax.
