The home side fashioned the first chance of the match after Sandile Mthethwa saw his eighth-minute header saved following a Riaan Hanamub cross, with Keegan Allan failing to convert the rebound.
Kaizer Chiefs resorted to long-range efforts, but only Nkosingiphile Ngcobo could force a save from Olwethu Mzimela from a set-piece shortly before half-time.
Usuthu were again the first team to put a shot on target in the second half, with Chiefs shot-stopper Brandon Petersen making a good save to deny former player Hendrick Ekstein in the 55th minute.
Amakhosi responded two minutes later as chances began to come, with Reeve Frosler being denied by Mzimela, who tipped his shot over the crossbar to keep the scores level.
AmaZulu striker Athini Maqokola came close to scoring in the 66th minute, but his effort went just wide of the goal before Glody Lilepo punished them with an excellent finish to give the visitors the lead.
However, Lilepo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for taking off his shirt during his goal celebration, leaving his side with 20 minutes to negotiate with 10 men.
The Soweto giants were able to maintain their lead as both teams could not find a way past either goalkeeper, with substitute Tashreeq Morris coming closest for Chiefs, while Mthethwa tested Petersen from distance.
The result sees AmaZulu still needing a win to ensure they finish in fourth spot after fifth-placed Sekhukhune United drew against Richards Bay.
Kaizer Chiefs have the opportunity to equal their best points tally in the last 11 seasons when they face Chippa United in their final Betway Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Relebohile Mofokeng believes Durban City spent the week preparing a defensive strategy ahead of Saturday's clash, after Orlando Pirates were held in a frustrating home stalemate.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has thrown his name firmly into the Bafana Bafana selection conversation following another Man of the Match performance in Amakhosi's 1-0 win over AmaZulu in Durban.
Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his disappointment after Orlando Pirates failed to secure the Betway Premiership title, following their goalless draw with Durban City on Saturday.
