Tshepang Moremi gave the Buccaneers an early lead in the seventh minute, but Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya equalised from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time to ensure Usuthu took a share of the spoils.
Pirates took the lead when a shot from Yanela Mbuthuma was parried by AmaZulu goalkeeper Wilfred Kouassi into the path of Moremi, who finished clinically. The visitors dominated large periods of the first half and created several opportunities to extend their advantage, but were unable to convert them.
AmaZulu thought they had levelled in the 34th minute through Mlondi Mbanjwa, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. However, they were awarded a penalty late in the half after Kamogelo Sebelebele fouled Mbanjwa inside the box. Ngwenya stepped up and calmly converted down the middle to restore parity.
The second half remained competitive as both sides pushed for a winner, but neither could find a decisive goal. Pirates continued to look the more threatening side in attack, yet their finishing let them down on the night.
The result sees Orlando Pirates move into second place on the early Premiership log, while AmaZulu also climb the table. Both teams will now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures as the season continues to take shape.