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Bayede! King Misuzulu kaZwelithini!

  • Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithinil.
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Reading Time: 8 minutes

The sun has risen over southern Africa’s largest Nguni group, AmaZulu, following a stormy period and a bitter battle for the throne.

AmaZulu crowned their new king, Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini in a traditional coronation ceremony in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in October. One in a number of ritual ceremonies to recognise the new monarch, it followed several legal disputes by different groups within the royal family, with each presenting whom they believed to be the rightful heir.

Despite the internal ‘political’ turmoil that marked the months leading to it, the momentous cultural ceremony referred to as ‘ukungena esibayeni ‘, loosely translated to ‘entering the kraal’, was spectacular and largely without interruption. It took place shortly after the king was said to have slain a lion as part of the processes of his ascension to the throne.

 

Professor Bheki Mngomezulu on Ukungena Esibayeni kweSilo

Thousands of people – mostly donning traditional Zulu regalia – gathered in celebration at the seat of royalty called KwaKhangelamankengane Palace.

Many dressed to impress and enjoyed cultural festivities that included traditional music and dance, praise songs and local, cultural cuisine as AmaZulu proudly honoured their king.

 

Thousands more from across South Africa and different parts of the world took to online platforms to witness and discuss this remarkable moment in the history of AmaZulu royalty.

Bayede Dawg!

“Bayede Dawg,” says a young African generation

#BayedeDawg trended on social media in South Africa for most of the weekend, a hashtag spawned from the term of endearment that the young generation has designated to the ‘modern’ AmaZulu king. “Bayede” is an IsiZulu word loosely translated as “All Hail”, and is generally reserved for the king or highly honoured member of AmaZulu royal family, and is sometimes used as a chant to ‘greet’ someone of superior status.

The slang ‘dawg’, used by young people in many parts of the world, is made in reference to one’s peer or friend. The use of Bayede Dawg may point to the fact that the young African generation sees the new king as relatable.

King Misuzulu Zulu kaZwelithini at an event.

47-year-old King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is relatively young in comparison to other African leaders. He is often documented donning traditional Zulu attire with a hint of modern accessories including trendy sunglasses and distinctive jewellery.

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has also been photographed in clothing ranging from casual tracksuits and hoodies to classy suits, giving the public a glimpse into his personal sense of style.

 

 

 

Royal politics

Although culminating in his ascension to the throne, the events of King Misuzulu’s coronation ceremony were nearly marred as royal family politics played out through the South African legal system on the day of the coronation, ahead of its official start.

Princesses Ntandoyenkosi Zulu and Ntombizosuthu Zulu-Duma filed court papers in an attempt to urgently interdict the traditional coronation ceremony that very morning. Their bid was unsuccessful and struck off the roll at the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

One of those claiming to be the rightful heir was Prince Simakade Zulu whose backers announced this not long after the late Regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu died in 2021.

The brother of the late king Goodwill Zwelithini, Prince Mbonisi Zulu, has been at the forefront of disputes about King Misuzulu’s kingship and led the court process that attempted to set aside the decision by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to recognise King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the new AmaZulu monarch, shortly after the death of his father.

Court dismisses application to interdict AmaZulu King’s pre-coronation ceremony: Mpumelelo Zikalala

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who is AmaZulu’s traditional Prime Minister, has been the greatest advocate of King Misuzulu’s kingship. Though advanced in age, the prince steadily stood by King Misuzulu after the passing of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in March 2021, a tragedy exacerbated by the subsequent passing of the king’s mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu just a month later.

South African politicians who attended the event displayed their attire as the festivities finally began. Some represented their culture and others their culture.

Uniting Africa

Several politicians and leaders from across the continent were in attendance, with some representing their own culture through traditional clothing. Many sent congratulatory messages to AmaZulu and their monarch.

King M’Mbelwa of Malawi was among the African royals who attended the event. He urged King Misuzulu to unite AmaZulu, including those who do not support him.

“I also urged His Majesty to unite the people in the [Zululand] by loving and working with everyone. Lastly, but by no means least; I urged the king to also unite all the kingdoms in Africa; and that His Majesty’s first task should be that of restoring the [Isi]Zulu language which has to some extent been ” destroyed” by migration,” said a post by King M’Mbelwa after the event.

“I also pledge to my subjects that I would do my best serving you with the help of God and my ancestors.”

Addressing people gathered at the traditional coronation, King Misuzulu pledged to serve his people.

“My people as I am on the throne I cannot thank enough my Prime Minister for standing up for the truth regardless of what was being said he stood firm. I also pledge to my subjects that I would do my best serving you with the help of God and my ancestors, I will always be with you regardless of the challenges,” said King Misuzulu.

CONTRALESA welcomes coronation of AmaZulu King

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa says rituals like AmaZulu king coronation are very important, as they officially give real meaning to the kingship.

 

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