MisuZulu kaZwelithini will be crowned the next Zulu king in a coronation ceremony set to take place on Saturday, 20 August 2022.
MisuZulu coronation: Here’s what you need to know
The long road to placing the next king of the Zulu nation has been long and, as you will discover later in this article, far from over.
In less than 24 hours, MisuZulu, the son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekizulu’s third wife, the deceased Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, will be crowned the leader of the Zulu nation.
Here is everything you need to know about the events that take place in the build-up to MisuZulu’s coronation.
What happened in the days leading up to the coronation?
On Thursday evening, social media was abuzz with video clips showing MisuZulu enclaved by a sea of devoted followers on his return from a traditional lion hunt.
What is generally sold to tourists as a bespoke experience costing, according to CNN, anywhere in the region of $49 000 (est. R832 588) for a 10-day “fair chase”, is a mandatory practice for a Zulu king.
MisuZulu had to hunt a lion and return with its carcass to the sacred kraal at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace to prepare for his coronation. The skin of the lion, he will don when he is officially seated as King Zwelithini’s successor.
What will happen on coronation day?
MisuZulu’s coronation will take place at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace on Saturday, 20 August 2022. As reported by Daily Maverick, the royal occasion is expected to draw bespoke crowds from fellow traditional kings, members of royal families across the continent, world ambassadors with particular interests in South Africa and politicians.
Thousands of witnesses will gather at the royal palace to witness MisuZulu enter the kraal and don the skin of the lion he hunted on Friday. He will officially be recognised as the Zulu king once he takes a seat on the throne, a moment experts suggest will be heavily guarded amid ongoing in-fighting within the royal family.
How to watch MisuZulu coronation live in South Africa?
MisuZulu’s coronation will be broadcast live on South African mainstream media channels from Saturday morning. A live stream link will be available as soon it’s set up. Thereafter, you may be able to tune into the entire affair right here.
In the meantime, here is a review of the coronation ceremony, including a bit of background on the controversy surrounding the royal occasion:
Here’s what we know about MisuZulu kaZwelithini
MisuZulu Sinqobile Hlomesakhishlangu kaZwelithini was born on 23 September 1974. He is the third eldest surviving son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekizulu and the firstborn to his mother, the Great Wife Queen Mantfombi Dlamini.
MisuZulu is married to his partner of 13 years Ntokozo Masiyela and together, the couple has two children. MisuZulu, however, has a third child with Princess Wezizwe Sigcau of the amaMpondo royal family.
MisuZulu’s kingship has been marred in controversy. As reported by News24, King Zwelithini’s successor has been meddled in a royal family feud with Queen Sibongile Dlamini-Zulu, Goodwill kaBhekizulu’s first wife whom he married in December 1969.
In March 2022, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) High Court dismissed the queen’s claim that King Zwelithini’s will, which nominated MisuZulu as the next Zulu king, effectively reinstating control of the royal estate in the hands of his successor, was forged.
However, in a turn of events that may impact MisuZulu’s kingship, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) granted Dlamini-Zulu leave to review the KZN High Court ruling.
With the latter brewing in court, in the Zulu royal dynasty, more of King Zwelithini’s children have refused to recognise MisuZulu as the next king.
It remains to be seen if MisuZulu’s coronation will conclude without controversy.