Before the Supreme Court Appeal (SCA) hearing in Bloemfontein on Thursday and Friday this week, the Zulu royal family’s spokesperson bravely asserted that King Misuzulu was crowned correctly.
Prince Thulani Zulu of the Ezibindini royal house, who speaks for King Misuzulu and the faction of the royal family that backs him, says all ancient customs were properly observed.
Prince Thulani Zulu asserted that the only process under scrutiny is the one President Cyril Ramaphosa used to recognise him.
His statement coincides with the upcoming hearing, where Prince Simakade Zulu is contesting the process, claiming it stripped him of his throne due to its flaws.
Simakade took the matter to the Pretoria High Court, where Judge Norman Davies agreed with him and ruled in his favour.
However, Ramaphosa, supported by King Misuzulu, took the matter to the SCA on appeal.
Also in the picture is Prince Mbonisi Zulu, who also claimed the 2021 nomination process was flawed and wants it to be started over.
Prince Mboniso Zulu, the senior Zulu prince, who is a brother of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, wants the throne to go to Prince Buzabazi Zulu.
“On 8 May 2022, kings and leaders from all over Africa came to KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in KwaNongoma to witness the traditional crowning of His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
“The Zulu Kingdom also showed up in the thousands to witness the ascension of our new king. By the end of the ceremony, King Misuzulu’s installation process was complete, and he became the new king of the Zulu Nation,” Prince Thulani Zulu said.
Certificate handover a mere formality
According to him, the certificate handover was a mere formality by the president.
“It’s important to understand that the certificate handover does not affect the ukungena esibayeni ceremony, which is the traditional and only recognised method of installing a king in Zulu culture.
The certificate represented recognition by the state — an administrative formality acknowledging that the Zulu nation had already installed its king.
By accepting the certificate, we respected the democratic order that recognises, upholds and respects traditional leadership,” he added.
Furthermore, Prince Thulani Zulu said all court cases surrounding King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and the Zulu throne have been finalised, with His Majesty prevailing in every matter.
“There is no cause for alarm or speculation. The throne is not under threat. The king remains the rightful custodian of the Zulu nation, duly installed by both tradition and law.
“Even if the president were not to succeed in the matter before the court on the 29th in Bloemfontein, it would not advance anyone else’s claim to the throne.
“As a matter of fact, no one has directly challenged the incumbent after the decision had been taken in Pietermaritzburg.”
Prince Simakade’s faction angered
The statement by Prince Thulani Zulu angered the faction of Prince Simakade, with its spokesperson, Prince Thokozani Zulu, saying a proper reading of the statement amounts to a veiled incitement and attack on the rule of law and the supremacy of the constitution.
