March 12 marks exactly a year since AmaZulu’s longest-reigning King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu passed on. Since then, the AmaZulu Royal family has been embroiled in dispute after dispute.
The death of regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, barely a month after the King, saw a protracted legal battle among some senior members of the royal family.
The King-elect Misuzulu is yet to be officially installed.
King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu’s passing to be commemorated on Saturday:
Having been on the throne for close to a half-century, the King died at the age of 72. His funeral drew mourners from around the world. Just days after his death, the debate over the royal succession began.
Weeks later, the King’s third wife Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu was announced as the regent queen.
Amazulu Nation Traditional Prime Minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the king wanted her majesty Queen Shiywe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu to lead the Zulu nation until the time that his successor is named.
The queen then accepted this responsibility and the royal family embraced his majesty’s arrangements.
The announcement in turn caused a ruction amongst members of the family. As some senior royals refused to accept the Queen as the regent.
Queen Dlamini-Zulu died a month later, leaving her eldest son as her preferred successor to the Zulu throne.
Much to the displeasure of some family members. There was drama and chaos on the night Prince Misuzulu was named heir to the throne and he had to be whisked away to safety.
Court gives green light for Prince Misuzulu KaZwelithini’s coronation:
As the rift amongst the royals grew, the King’s first wife Queen Sibongile Dlamini-Zulu and her two daughters decided to approach the court.
She wanted the court to assert her the right to 50% of the late King’s estate, while Princess Ntandoyenkosi Zulu and Ntombizosuthu Zulu-Duma challenged the validity of the signature on the King’s will.
The late King’s brother, Prince Mbonisi also entered the fray, filing papers to prevent a secret coronation planned to install Misuzulu.
The Queen and Prince Mbonisi’s applications were dismissed with cost. The court also ruled that King-Elect Misuzulu was the undisputed heir to the throne.
Despite the court’s ruling, some in the monarchy are vehemently opposed to the decision nd as the family and the Amazulu nation prepare to commemorate the Kings’ death, there seems to be no end in sight in the royal feud.
Controversy over commemoration of King Goodwill Zwelithini’s passing:
