Zulu Kingship battle in court as royal rift deepens

The Supreme Court of Appeal regarding amaZulu Kingship battle proceedings have been a painful realization of the disunity prevalent in the Zulu royal family. These are the sentiments of Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, the son of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who played a key role as the traditional prime minister to the Zulu royal family until his passing in 2023. 

Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi who has been appointed as the chairperson of King Misuzulu council says this is a reminder of the huge task of restoring unity and dignity of the Zulu Royal family.

The lengthy litigations over the Zulu throne continues as contenders await the day of judgment. The name of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was frequently mentioned as lawyers argue over his role and his affidavits submitted to the court.  Among those is one affidavit that alleged that Prince Buthelezi refused to sign.  It contains content relating to the identification and customs followed during the processes leading to the crowning of King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini as Isilo of the Zulu nation. Chairperson of King Misuzulu council Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi.  

VIDEO | Battle over AmaZulu kingship at SCA

“It is quite an emotional two days for me from the front because my father was very involved in this case first and foremost and submitted a lot of affidavits leading up to the decision, up to the judgment of Judge Madondo. Today, of course, anyone who was here know that he featured a lot. But I was also touched because we were all reminded by the role that he played and how much he dedicated his life to the kingdom.” 

Dominant to King Misuzulu’s arguments is that custom has to be central to resolving this matter. There was an appeal to the court not to use common law to resolve custom matters. Prince Thulani Zulu, spokesperson for the royal family, explains, 

“We are optimistic that King Misuzulu is going to come out victorious. But the victory of King Misuzulu is not only his victory but it the victory if the whole nation and the victory of the royalty because whatever decision that will come here we are bound by that decision.” 

Mkhulu Ntsingiza spokesperson for Prince Mbonisi Bekithemba, made a clarion call for the royal house to be protected.

All contenders are confident that judgment will be in their favour. Even though hoping for different outcomes, when it came to song they were united in songs and chants during court proceedings, singing about the sovereignty of the Zulu Royal family.