The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has welcomed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to officially recognise AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the King of the AmaZulu.
IFP President, Velenkosini Hlabisa has lauded AmaZulu’s traditional Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, for the role he played in the transition since the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu a year ago.
Hlabisa says, “We also want to congratulate the Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who is the one who was managing the transition from the demise of the King up to the appointment of the King.”
“What we are expecting now since the President has made the recognition all necessary arrangements will take place to allow the coronation of the King so that all the necessary things have to be done by the provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal in terms of supporting the King with all necessary resources,” he adds.
Speaking on SABC News earlier, AmaZulu Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said a committee to deal with the coronation will be set up:
In a statement on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said the assumption of the throne by King Misuzulu is a moment of great significance in the proud and distinguished history of AmaZulu.
“His Majesty is the successor to a long line of revered monarchs, who fought with great courage and determination for the welfare and security of their people. I join all the people of South Africa in wishing His Majesty King Misuzulu Zulu a long and prosperous reign,” he adds.
Royal family dispute
Earlier this month, Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Isaac Madondo dismissed with costs Prince Mbonisi Zulu’s application to interdict the rumoured coronation of Prince Misuzulu KaZwelithini as the next AmaZulu King.
According to the application, the coronation was meant to take place in December last year. Handing down judgment, Justice Madondo said that Prince Mbonisi brought an application on an unfounded rumour.
Pietermaritzburg High Court hands down judgment in the AmaZulu Royal family dispute:
