Prince Africa Zulu appointed royal vice chancellor

MBABANE – King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has appointed Prince Africa Zulu of Onkweni as Royal Vice Chancellor of the Zulu Kingdom.

The appointment took effect on October 7, 2026, according to an appointment letter issued at Emashobeni Royal Palace.

The Zulu Monarch, who is the son of a member of the Eswatini’s royal family, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, bestowed the responsibility for overseeing royal administration and monitoring the performance of other royal offices on the royal vice chancellor.

In terms of a letter seen by this publication, the Office of the Royal Chancellor and the Office of the Royal Vice Chancellor are jointly responsible for administering the Zulu Kingdom as a whole and receive their instructions directly from the King. The offices operate independently of the King’s Private Office.

The new appointee, Prince Africa, will work under the King Misuzulu’s direction and in accordance with the Constitution of South Africa, applicable law and recognised Zulu royal custom.

One of his key responsibilities, according to the communique, will be to oversee the performance of the Office of the traditional prime minister and other royal offices, councils and representatives.

Prince Africa will also monitor the implementation of Zulu royal instructions and programmes and submit recommendations to the King Misuzulu.

However, the communique states that decisions reserved for King Misuzulu will remain his responsibility.

It is said the appointment also gives Prince Africa responsibility for ensuring that initiatives involving the Crown, royal assets or royal endorsement have the required approvals and comply with the King’s wishes.

The communique further states that no undertaking may bind the Crown without the required written authority.

Prince Africa will also be expected to strengthen relations with government, businesses, diplomatic representatives and development partners in South Africa and internationally.

His economic responsibilities include promoting investment, employment, entrepreneurship, local participation, skills development and community benefits, with particular attention to young people, women, persons with disabilities, military veterans and their families, and disadvantaged communities.

He will oversee royal liaison with traditional leaders (Amakhosi), traditional councils, towns, municipalities and hotels and hospitality establishments, while promoting community welfare and respecting the lawful responsibilities of the institutions concerned.

The appointment further requires him to protect the dignity, reputation and interests of the Crown through lawful and authorised means. He will coordinate protective arrangements for the King and the Royal Family with the responsible services, report risks promptly and safeguard confidential information.

As part of his leadership duties, Prince Africa must maintain proper records, declare conflicts of interest and report directly to the King. When invited, he will accompany the King on local visits to provide advice and support while observing royal protocol.

He will serve as Acting Royal Chancellor whenever the Royal Chancellor is outside the country, incapacitated by illness or otherwise unavailable. In that role, he will remain subject to the King’s direction and the lawful mandate of the office, with matters reserved for the King referred to him.

The letter states that Prince Africa will serve at the King’s pleasure, subject to applicable law and the written terms of his appointment.

In accepting the appointment, Prince Africa undertook to discharge his duties faithfully and lawfully.

The King said the appointment was intended to strengthen unity, advance the welfare of the Zulu people and uphold the dignity and standing of the Zulu Kingdom.

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