Zulu nation urged to unite after legal battle over kingship ends

The Zulu Royal House has welcomed the Constitutional Court’s decision to dismiss an application challenging the position of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, bringing finality to the dispute over the Zulu throne. Speaking during a media briefing at Coastlands Hotel in Durban on Monday, the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said the ruling marked the end of a “long and difficult chapter” in the history of the royal family. The court rejected an attempt by Prince Simakade Zulu to challenge the kingship of Misuzulu kaZwelithini, effectively exhausting all remaining legal avenues in the matter.

Buthelezi thanked the King for what he described as the “dignified and regal manner” in which he had conducted himself during the legal process. “Now that all possible legal avenues to challenge His Majesty the King have been exhausted, we trust that Prince Simakade, Prince Mbonisi and all those who were challenging for the throne realise that they have come to the end of the road,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to South Africans, church leaders and their delegations who had visited KwaKhangela and Mashobeni palaces to offer prayers and spiritual support for peace and unity within the royal family.

On behalf of the royal family, Buthelezi thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli for ensuring that the necessary logistical and legal support was made available during the dispute. He confirmed that King Misuzulu will preside over the official opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in Pietermaritzburg on February 26, continuing what he described as the King’s commitment to fulfilling his duties to the people and the throne. Buthelezi said the Zulu kingdom rests on three pillars, amakhosi (traditional leaders), amabutho (regiments) and the royal family, and commended the support shown by these structures during the legal battle. “As we usher in a new era of stability, unity and co-operation for the Zulu nation, this is an opportunity for the royal family to unite and serve under the leadership of His Majesty the King,” he said.