A South African court ruled on Monday that the government’s recognition of King Misuzulu Zulu of the Zulu nation in 2021 was deemed unlawful, potentially sparking a fresh succession dispute.
The Pretoria high court has mandated President Cyril Ramaphosa to initiate an inquiry to investigate whether the ascension of King Misuzulu Zulu complied with customary laws after his appointment as the monarch for over 10 million Zulu people residing in South Africa following his father’s passing.
The traditional coronation of Misuzulu Zulu was delayed for 15 months until August 2022 due to contentious disputes regarding the royal succession following the demise of Goodwill Zwelithini, who had reigned for more than 50 years.
Prince Simakade, Misuzulu Zulu’s older brother, sought the court’s ruling, which declared the presidential recognition of the Zulu king “unlawful and invalid,” thereby overturning the recognition decision.
Ramaphosa, at an elaborate ceremony in October 2022, presented Misuzulu Zulu with an official certificate acknowledging him as the ruler of South Africa’s wealthiest and most influential traditional monarchy.
Misuzulu Zulu, the first son of Zwelithini’s third wife and designated regent, was named king in her will after her sudden passing, preceding her husband’s death. However, several rival claims for the throne arose, including assertions from Zwelithini’s first wife, Zwelithini’s eldest son born out of wedlock, and other brothers of Zwelithini.
The South African constitution acknowledges the significance of traditional rulers and chiefs, attributing them considerable moral authority.
Amidst these disputes, rumors circulated in July about alleged poisoning attempts targeting Misuzulu Zulu following the sudden death of a close adviser, an accusation the king vehemently denied.
