In a dramatic and highly anticipated civil matter, the Pretoria High Court has become the focal point of a fierce succession battle within the AmaZulu royal family.
The battle for the AmaZulu throne has pitted King MisuZulu kaZwelithini against Prince Simakade Zulu, and the tension was palpable on Monday when the trial commenced.
Speaking to Sunday World outside the court building, Zulu regiments (amabutho) expressed disappointment with the resurgence of the succession battle, reiterating their stance and support for the already sworn-in King MisuZulu.
Convenor of the regiments, uMdidiyeli Mhlongo wempi yesilo sa KwaZulu, highlighted that the battle shuns the integrity of the Zulu nation.
He stated that the succession battle does not only harm the living, but also the late elders and ancestors who fought for the glory of the Zulu kingdom.
“We are emotionally disturbed because this is something the Zulu nation had already taken care of,” Mhlongo said.
“We are not happy with the current situation, we are experiencing emotional distress as the Zulu nation had already resolved this matter.
“The Zulu nation appointed a king on August 2, and he officially received his certificate from the president on October 29, which should have put the issue to rest.
“Our presence here is painful, and it diminishes our dignity as a regiment.”
Mhlongo stated that although they do not support the prince, they cannot stop him.
“While we’re not pleased with the ongoing court battle, we respect the right for anyone to challenge the succession if they are dissatisfied.
“We must allow room for those who wish to contest it.”
Prince Simakade Zulu is challenging the recognition of King MisuZulu, asserting his rightful claim to the throne.
Legal showdown to settle protracted dispute
The legal showdown is expected to run from October 16 to 18, and it promises to settle the protracted dispute over the Zulu kingship.
The courtroom on Monday was divided by allegiances, King MisuZulu’s faction on one side and Prince Simakade Zulu’s faction on the other end, both divided by police presence.
Their enmity was evident, with Prince Simakade Zulu notably absent from the certificate awarding ceremony in Durban 2022, where President Cyril Ramaphosa certified MisuZulu as the king.
The legal battle’s complexity became apparent when the case was postponed in May, following King MisuZulu’s request, citing a delay due to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the late AmaZulu traditional Prime Minister who had yet to depose his affidavit.
As the trial unfolds, the symbolism and heritage of the Zulu kingdom are on display outside the court building.
Before the proceedings got underway, scores of amabutho and Zulu maidens gathered, singing and praising their respective sides in this historic battle.
The stakes were high, and even the culinary aspect of Zulu tradition was brought into focus, with four cows being slaughtered to feed the regiment during the course of the trial.
Confirming the logistics, Mhlongo noted that this is a reminder of the deep cultural significance woven into the legal clash.
