The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has declared President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to recognise Misuzulu as the Zulu king as unlawful and invalid, intensifying the royal dispute involving Prince Simakade Zulu.
Misuzulu ruling kickstarts rumblings of Prince Simakade Zulu ascension
Judge Norman Davis ruled that President Ramaphosa’s recognition of Misuzulu was not per the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. This decision was based on the failure to properly follow Zulu customs and the act’s preemptive provisions.
The legal battle was initiated by Prince Simakade Zulu and Mbonisi Zulu, contending that due process was not followed in Misuzulu’s appointment.
Simakade, the first-born son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, claims to be the rightful heir to the throne.
The royal family has been divided over the rightful successor, with factions supporting different heirs. The controversy intensified after a rebel faction led by Prince Mbonisi Zulu resolved that the next king should come from Queen Buhle Mathe’s lineage.
This ruling has created uncertainty about the leadership of the Zulu nation. Misuzulu KaZwelithini, who has been serving as king on a de facto basis, faces a significant challenge to his reign.
The court ordered President Ramaphosa to appoint an investigative committee to probe the allegations against Misuzulu’s identification process.
The committee is expected to report on whether the appointment complied with customary laws.
Supporters of Prince Simakade Zulu are celebrating the court ruling, seeing it as a step towards his ascension to the throne. The decision has galvanised his followers, who view him as the rightful king.