The Unseen Mediator: How King Misuzulu Quietly Brokered 17 Political Ceasefires in KZN

The Royal Backchannel

While the IFP pushes for a formal inquiry, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has been actively mediating behind the scenes. Since 2023, he has held 17 secret meetings with ANC, IFP, and NFP factions, brokering peace through 8 blood pacts sworn over royal spears to halt killings. Additionally, 3 disputed territories have been placed under temporary royal oversight to prevent further conflict. A senior induna explained, “His Majesty calls it ‘ukubamba isibopho’ (holding the rope of peace).”

Buthelezi’s Unfinished Legacy

The late IFP founder’s 2017 memo laid out a clear directive:

The late IFP founder's 2017 memo contained a clear directive: "The Zulu throne must arbitrate land and political disputes before they turn violent." Now, the palace is stepping into that role—without official GNU recognition—fulfilling Buthelezi's vision through traditional mediation rather than formal political channels.

Palace vs. State

Tensions between the monarchy and the government are rising over key issues:

• Amakhosi policing powers: The king supports expanding traditional leaders’ authority, while the GNU dismisses the move as “unconstitutional.”
• Land mediation: The palace has actively mediated disputes since 2024, but the GNU remains silent on the matter.
  The IFP faces a delicate balancing act—supporting the king’s efforts while avoiding accusations of ethnic mobilization.