Misuzulu ka Zwelithini has been crowned Zulu king after a long year of a family feud, following the traditional ceremonies in South Africa.
History has witnessed many disputes over the next best heir to the crown in different kingdoms and nations. The Zulu king seems to have crossed all these disputes and claimed his crown.
Misuzulu Zulu, a 48-year-old, is the son of Zwelithini, who was the previous king. Many in the royal family had argued that he was not the rightful heir.
Thousands of the Zulu people witnessed the traditional coronation at KwaKhangelamankengane Palace. The site was no less than a set for a film where people gathered to witness their next king.
He wore the hide of the lion that he hunted for this event. In preparation for the festivities, more than 10 cows were slaughtered.
A fifth of South Africa’s population is Zulu, and its monarchy is highly influential, though it doesn’t hold any formal political power, with a yearly taxpayer-funded budget of more than $4.9m.
The proud history of the Zulu kingdom tells us that it defeated British troops during the 1879 battle of Isandlwana.
King Zwelithini, who ruled for more than a century, died last year and had six wives and at least 28 children.
War of succession
In his much-disputed will, a late king named his third wife, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, as a caretaker with the role of appointing the successor.
The marriage of the late king and queen Mantfombi was rooted in the condition that her firstborn son would be the successor of his father’s throne.
A twist in the tale comes with two more sons of the late king claiming the throne.
South Africa’s president officially recognized Misuzulu as the new Zulu king back in March. Mabonisi Zulu, Misuzulu’s brother asked the court to halt the coronation.
However, the court rejected his plea and gave the green flag to the coronation ceremonies.
Prince Simakade, the firstborn son of the late king, was announced as the next monarch by a few supporters within the royal family just a week before Misuzulu’s coronation.
The traditional prime minister described this act as “foolish provocation”. In addition to this, King Zwelithini’s brothers called a news conference on Thursday, where they claimed that Prince Buzabazi had the closest relationship with his father. Hence, he is the most suitable king, according to them.
Despite all these feuds, family members of the royal family have shown strong support for Misuzulu.
