Thulasizwe Buthelezi Biography
Thulasizwe Buthelezi was born on June 15, 1972, in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. He holds the position of the sixth child and the third son in the family of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Princess Irene Audrey Thandekile Mzila. Growing up, he experienced a politically active environment due to his father’s role as the chief minister of the KwaZulu bantustan during apartheid.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was also the leader of the IFP, a Zulu nationalist party that stood against the African National Congress (ANC). Thulasizwe Buthelezi is a motivated and result-driven individual. Raised within the vibrant tapestry of Zulu traditions, 52 years old Thulasizwe Buthelezi has developed a profound connection to his heritage from an early age.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi Education
Academic Pursuits: Thulasizwe pursued higher education at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. His academic journey equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed for his multifaceted career.
Thulasizwe’s educational journey began at Impumalanga Primary School in Mahashini, Nongoma. He later pursued his studies at Adams College in Amanzimtoti, completing his matriculation in 1990. Subsequently, he enrolled at the University of Pretoria, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1994. Furthering his academic achievements, Thulasizwe obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Africa in 2001.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi Career
Political Ascent: Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s foray into the political landscape was marked by his involvement with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Youth Brigade, where he served as the national chairperson. His dedication and leadership skills propelled him to become a prominent figure in the provincial legislature.
Transition to Pastoral Role: Despite his success in politics, Thulasizwe Buthelezi felt a higher calling, leading him to transition from politics to become a full-time pastor in the Zululand district. His decision reflected a commitment to serving his community in various capacities.
Mayoral Leadership: In 2017, Thulasizwe Buthelezi faced opposition from the ANC during his nomination as the mayor of the Zululand District Municipality. Undeterred, he won the secret ballot by 23 votes, filling the vacancy left by IFP Deputy President iNkosi Mzamo Buthelezi’s deployment to the National Assembly.
Mayoral Focus Areas: In his acceptance speech, Thulasizwe outlined three crucial focus areas for the municipality – combating corruption and curbing fruitless expenditure, addressing water provision challenges, and expanding the economy to generate more employment opportunities.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi Personal Life
Family and Values: Thulasizwe Buthelezi, a devoted family man, is happily married and blessed with children. His commitment to community projects and empowerment reflects a personal value system that aligns with his passion for uplifting those around him.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi is married to Nokuthula Buthelezi, and together, they share the joy of raising four children. His commitment to faith is evident through his devout Christianity, and he actively participates as a member of the Anglican Church. Beyond his academic and family life, Thulasizwe embraces a passion for sports, particularly enjoying activities like golf and soccer. His diverse interests contribute to a well-rounded personality.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi Appointment as Traditional Prime Minister
Royal Recognition: Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s career trajectory took a historic turn when he was recently appointed as the new traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. This significant appointment came as a recognition of his past collaboration with the late traditional prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Role and Responsibilities: As the traditional prime minister, Thulasizwe now plays a pivotal role in advising the King on matters of tradition and culture. His responsibilities include overseeing community welfare, acting as a bridge between traditional leadership and government structures, and contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.
King’s Independent Decision: Addressing concerns about appointing a politician to such a critical position, King Misuzulu emphasized that the decision was independent and not influenced by politics. He highlighted Thulasizwe’s previous collaboration with the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and his understanding of the late prime minister’s vision for the Zulu nation.
Shift in Career Trajectory: Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s appointment marks a crucial shift in his career, moving from political and mayoral leadership to becoming a key figure in traditional leadership and cultural custodianship.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi Net Worth
Financial Standing: Thulasizwe Buthelezi, with a career spanning politics, pastoral work, and now traditional leadership, has accumulated an estimated net worth of over $200,000.
Other Facts About Thulasizwe Buthelezi
Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s time as the mayor of Zululand has been marked by controversy, beginning with a motion of no-confidence within five months of assuming the mayoral position. Several allegations have been made against him, contributing to a turbulent tenure.
One significant accusation arose in October of the previous year when Buthelezi was accused of making statements that seemingly encouraged political violence in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal. The National Freedom Party (NFP) secretary-general, Canaan Mdletshe, supported these allegations by releasing a video clip of Buthelezi’s address in reaction to the change in municipal leadership. The video suggested a connection between Buthelezi’s words and potential political unrest.
In 2019, Buthelezi faced accusations of collaborating with members of the radical forum Amadelangokubona to remove the head of the Department of Technical Services at the municipality, Emannuel Sibusiso Ngcobo. Ngcobo claimed to fear for his life after a fallout with Buthelezi, who allegedly sought to influence tender processes for personal gain.
Ngcobo stated that hitmen threatened him to resign, asserting that they were paid by the mayor. Despite Buthelezi’s denial of these allegations, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) called for an investigation into claims of the mayor interfering with tender processes.
In August of the preceding year, Buthelezi faced further scrutiny for alleged sexual abuse of female employees within the municipality. In response, he accused ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo and NFP councillors of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage his reputation.
It is crucial to note that the authority of a Zulu traditional prime minister is typically ceremonial and advisory, lacking the power to override the legislative and administrative structures of the South African government. As described by Swisher Post, this role primarily involves advising the AmaZulu king on matters of tradition and culture, overseeing community welfare, and serving as a link between traditional leadership and government structures.
In conclusion, Thulasizwe Buthelezi’s life journey has been one of diverse experiences, from political leadership to pastoral care and now as the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation. His commitment to community empowerment and preserving cultural heritage underscores a dynamic individual who continues to leave an indelible mark on the fabric of South African society.
Sage is a financial/consumer journalist and senior editor, personal finance, of TrendsHQ. EXPERTISE: Personal Finance, Careers, Jobs, Scholarships, and Entertainment.