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King Misuzulu KaZwelithini’s coronation will restore unity and stability: Royal Family

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The Amazulu royal family believes the ruling by the Pietermaritzburg High Court means that the coronation of nominated King Misuzulu KaZwelithini can go ahead, and that this would restore unity and stability among them and the AmaZulu nation at large. After the passing away of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini a year ago, rifts emerged in the royal family. Two factions supported different princes to take over the reigns as next AmaZulu monarch.

Succession to the throne in the AmaZulu nation has a history of blood-shed and deep divisions in the royal family dating back to the time of King Shaka Zulu in the 18th century. The passing away of King Goodwill Zwelithini left his six palaces wrestling for the throne, causing two factions – divided between Prince Simakade and Prince Misuzulu. The royal family says Wednesday’s court ruling has laid to rest any argument that Prince Misuzulu kaZwelithini was not properly identified and nominated by the royal family to succeed the late king. AmaZulu traditional prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi says he hopes the judgement will bring stability for the AmaZulu nation.

“Since the departure of his majesty, the late king almost a year ago, there has been instability. This has been a very painful time for the royal family and for the nation. We look forward to restoring unity for the nation under the reign of his majesty our king. I am appealing to the nation to pray for him, he must be prepared himself to take on this big responsibility,” says Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Royal family spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu says Buthelezi will chart the way forward.

“It’s not the court that must give the judgment or appoint the king for us. It’s the customary law. Of course we are going ahead with the coronation plans and is long overdue, although we don’t have so much details at the moment,” says Prince Thulani Zulu.

These members of the Amazulu regiments, Mthembiseni Thusi and Sthembiso Mgenge would like to see the next monarch honour traditions and cultural values.

“Even if he is going to make some changes, I wish he cannot get rid of reed dance, he should not reject the regiments and should not forget about the first fruit ceremony. He also has a responsibility to bring unity to the nation as well as the royal family. I wish he can ensure that he can bring stability to the royal family as there were factions,” says Thusi.

“I wish the royal family can distance itself from politics so that we can focus on our culture,” says Sthembiso Mgenge.

According to legislation, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier and the President must recognise the heir to the throne that was selected by the royal family. No official date has been set for a coronation yet.

VIDEO: Court gives green light for Prince Misuzulu KaZwelithini’s coronation

 

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