The Prime Minister of the Zulu Monarch and Family, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, has hit back at Prince Simakade’s court application to challenge the throne.
This comes after Prince Simakade filed court papers to review and overturn King Misuzulu KaZwelithini’s legitimacy as King of the Zulu nation.
The papers, which The Witness has seen, were filed at the Pretoria High Court on Friday.
In a statement, Buthelezi confirmed that the documents have been delivered to his home, KwaPhindangene, alerting him to the fact that Prince Simakade has instituted litigation in the high court.
In due course, said Buthelezi, the documents will be considered by his lawyers and a response will be provided.
Buthelezi said King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has already been declared the undisputed rightful heir and successor to his late father’s throne, King Goodwill Zweltihini kaBhekuzulu.
“He was appointed through the late King’s will, which appointed the late King’s Great Wife as Regent, reinforcing what was already well established; that his heir and successor would emanate from the House of Her Majesty the Regent. From the moment of the reading of Her Majesty the Regent’s will, which appointed Prince Misuzulu kaZwelthini, His Majesty King Misuzulu became the King of the Zulu Nation.
President declares King Misuzulu kaZwelithini the King of the Zulu Nation
“When a small faction of the Royal Family disputed this matter, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, on the instruction of the President of the Republic, established a panel to engage with the Zulu Royal Family; and the Panel provided its report to the President,” said Buthelezi.
Buthelezi said on this basis the President declared King Misuzulu kaZwelithini the King of the Zulu Nation. He said this was formally gazetted, making King Misuzulu kaZwelithini the de facto and the de jure King of the Zulu Nation.
None of the litigation brought to stop King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s ascension to the throne has been successful, he said.
Last month, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini performed the Ukungena Esibayeni ceremony at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Kraal, where he was presented before both the living and the ancestors as the King of the Zulu Nation.
Buthelezi said the gathering at KwaKhangelamankengane on that occasion was larger than any witnessed before, even during the reign of the King’s father and grandfather.
Preparations are now underway for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to formally receive his certificate, he said.