In the wake of a recent court decision deeming his 2022 state coronation “unlawful and invalid,” South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini made a public appearance at a government-organized event.
“Nothing is broken. You know your king,” he told the crowd, at a community event organised by the department of water and sanitation.
The legitimacy of King Misuzulu’s claim to the throne faces challenge from his elder half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, who asserts his right as the rightful heir.
The passing of their father in 2021 triggered a contentious family dispute regarding the succession.
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially acknowledged King Misuzulu as the rightful monarch, enabling him to assume the role of a constitutional ruler and receive government funding.
However, on Monday, Prince Simakade achieved a significant legal triumph when the Pretoria High Court ruled that President Ramaphosa had not adequately considered objections to King Misuzulu’s ascension.
In response, President Ramaphosa’s office announced plans to appeal against the court ruling.
