The Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal has noted with concern false reports that claim that the Office has fired His Majesty, King Misuzulu KaZwelithini’s praise singer, Mr Buzetsheni Mdletshe.

The Office of the Premier wants to correct these misleading reports that are in the public domain and set the record straight.

Mr. Mdletshe was employed by the Provincial government until he reached his compulsory retirement age of 65 years on 31 December 2020. He was paid all his benefits, in full, on 2 January 2021.

At the request of the late King, His Majesty King Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu, Mr Mdletshe’s employment contract, on Persal (system used for the administration of the public service payroll) was extended by a further two years beyond his compulsory retirement age, to continue to provide praise singing to His Majesty and to train and mentor young and upcoming praise singers.

This contract started on 1 January 2021 and expired on 31 December 2022. The Public Servicr Act allows for the two-year extension if services of that individual are still required.

Two praise singers, Mr Mtshali and Mr Mkhize were identified and mentored by Mr Mdletshe. Today Mr Mkhize is employed by the Office of the Premier to provide the praise singing services to His Majesty.

At the end of the two-year extension, it was evident that Mr Mdletshe’s services were still required. As such the Office of the Premier contracted him through his company Mafavuke (PTY) LTD where he is a sole director from 15 February 2023.

Due to financial constraints and the fact that Mr Mkhize is already being paid by the Office of the Premier to provide the praise signing services, it would have been a duplication to keep both in the same role.

Government is implementing prudent financial management of the public purse to ensure that there is no unnecessary wastage of funds.

However, if Mr Mdletshe’s services are required by His Majesty and the Royal Family, such services can be sourced through the Zulu Royal Trust, an entity of government.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government respects and values the institution of the Monarch and will continue to provide support to His Majesty and the Royal Family.

Ends

For more information contact Head of Provincial Government Communication Bongi Gwala on 072 793 4757 or Joseph Cubai Acting Media Liaison Officer on 061 421 5853
Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government