A court in South Africa has declared the government’s acknowledgement of the Zulu nation’s king in 2020 as unlawful, potentially leading to a new dispute over succession.
The Pretoria High Court has mandated President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish an investigation into the legitimacy of King Misuzulu Zulu’s controversial ascension, in accordance with traditional laws.
In 2021, Misuzulu, aged 49, was proclaimed the ruler of the Zulu people in South Africa, following the passing of his father. Due to disputes over the succession, his official coronation was delayed for 15 months until August 2022. His father, Goodwill Zwelithini, had been the monarch for over 50 years before his death in March 2021.
Misuzulu’s older brother, Prince Simakade, sought the ruling, which said the presidential recognition of the Zulu king “was unlawful and invalid and the recognition decision is hereby set aside”.
In October 2022, at a large gathering, Ramaphosa presented Misuzulu with a large certificate in a frame, officially acknowledging him as the leader of the wealthiest and most powerful traditional monarchy in the country.
King Zwelithini had six wives and at least 28 children. Misuzulu is the first son of his third wife, whom he designated as regent in his will. But the queen died suddenly a month after her husband, leaving a will naming Misuzulu as king.
The initial wife of Zwelithini asserted herself as the sole lawful partner, yet was unsuccessful in obtaining a legal injunction to prevent the ascension of the man whose name symbolizes empowerment for the Zulu community.
Prior to Ramaphosa’s official ceremony, the eldest son of Zwelithini, who was born outside of marriage, filed an urgent lawsuit asserting his right as heir. Other brothers of Zwelithini also vied for the throne on behalf of another candidate.
The constitution of South Africa acknowledges traditional rulers and chiefs, granting them substantial moral influence.
Source: theguardian.com
