The name of ANC veteran Dr Zweli Mkhize is among the three big names bandied about to replace the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as the AmaZulu traditional prime minister.
Murmuring and intense lobbying has already ensued over who should succeed Buthelezi, who served in the position for more than 45 years.
Although some voices are calling for Buthelezi’s successor to come from the KwaPhindangene royal house, where Buthelezi hails from, on grounds that this will preserve the strong lineage and culture of the Zulu nation Mkhize, 67, is another name that has been thrown into the hat.
But it is Amazulu king, MisuZulu kaZwelithini, who will have the last say on who serves as his close lieutenant.
“The only factor that could discredit Mkhize is his age. The king seems to be keener on surrounding himself with younger people.
Lately, Mkhize has been seen as very close to the Zulu royal house and attending various ceremonies and also encouraging Zulu maidens from his area of uMgungundlovu to attend the annual reed dance,” explained academic and African cultural expert Dr Maxwell Shamase.
He also pointed out that during the hostilities between the king and Buthelezi, Mkhize was appointed to broker the peace talks.
“Whoever is appointed as the next traditional prime minister should have thorough understanding of the Zulu culture and customs. He must also command the respect of amakhosi, but the person should also be well versed in the politics of the land,” he said.
Another name that has emerged is that of Mthokozisi Mahlobo, born of the late AmaZulu monarch Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu’s sister.
At some stage, MisuZulu contemplated appointing him as a deputy traditional prime minister, but Buthelezi foiled the plan, arguing it had never happened before under the Zulu culture.
Prof Musa Xulu, an African history expert, warned it would be disastrous to appoint a politician to head the traditional office.
“On the issue of appointment of the successor to uMntwana wakwaPhindangene as traditional prime minister to the king and the Zulu nation, I see many are highlighting names of very high political profiles.
“This would be a disastrous decision by his majesty.”
The name of former king spokesperson Prince Thulani of Ezibindini royal house has also been thrown into the ring.
Dr Gugu Mazibuko, University of KwaZulu-Natal cultural expert, explained that what had put the king in the quagmire was that there was no succession plan that details how a traditional prime minister should be appointed.
“But the criteria is simple. Whoever is appointed should be trusted by the king and someone who comes from a well-known clan. The appointee should also be able to keep secrets,” she said.
Spokesperson for AmaZulu royal house Prince Africa Zulu said the king should be allowed to thoroughly apply his mind.
“It is not something that was at the back of the king’s mind,” he said.
Zulu said: “I have not been approached about that, but as you know that the Zulu nation is mourning such discussions are unnecessary at this point.”
Prince Mthokozisi Mahlobo would not be drawn into discussing the matter, instead he said they would await the king to make his preference.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.
