On the day two of the legal wrangle regarding the recognition of the Zulu King, Misuzulu KaZwelithini by President Cyril Ramaphosa pleaded with the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to overturn a Pretoria High Court ruling that set aside his decision to recognise the former.
A judgment that was handed down by Judge Norman Davis had ordered that the recognition of Isilo was unlawful and invalid, and is hereby set aside.
Ramaphosa’s recognition set aside
This came after Misuzulu’s uncle, Prince Mbonisi Zulu, and and the King’s half brother, Simakade Zulu challenged the validity of the recognition of MisuZulu by Ramaphosa in October 2022. The duo had argued that the president had not followed the terms of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act in making the recognition of the Zulu King.
Ramaphosa’s lawyer, advocate Morumo Moerane, stated in the SCA in Bloemfontein on Thursday that the royal nomination formed the basis of the president’s decision as a head of state, hence he had issued a recognition certificate.
“We respectfully submit that the president’s recognition decision was lawful, rational, and fully compliant with the act,” said Moerane.
Misuzulu named successor
Drama surrounding the battle for the throne started after the demise of King Goodwill Zwelithini in March 2021.
After King Goodwill passed on, Misuzulu was named successor. A traditional ceremony known as Ukungena Esibayeni was performed at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma.
As tensions flew, the Pretoria High Court ruled in favour of Simakade in 2023. The judgment was set aside. And an order that an investigative committee to examine the nomination process should be established was given.
Moerane stated that Ramaphosa did not play any role in identifying the King. However, he only recognised Misuzulu based on the fact that he was nominated by the Zulu royal family.
While the court was in motion, amabutho (Zulu regiments) were singing and chanting outside the court. They were singing praises for Misuzulu as they showed support for him.
Regiments came in dozens of busses and taxis from across Kwazulu-Natal. They slept in Bloemfotein from Wednesday.
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