By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Zulu Royal House says King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is in good health and only underwent minor check-ups in hospital in eSwatini.
This comes after the traditional Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi issued a statement late on Saturday evening stating that King Misuzulu may have been poisoned after a senior induna, Douglas Xaba suddenly died.
Buthelezi said the king began feeling unwell, it was suspected that he may have been poisoned, and he immediately sought medical treatment.
The king’s spokesperson Prince Africa Zulu said his majesty wants to reassure the nation that he remains in good health.
Prince Zulu said there are people deliberately engaging in misinformation.
“It appears that there is an orchestrated agenda and a desperate narrative to communicate defamatory and baseless claims of His Majesty’s ill health.
“The king was in eSwatini to visit his uncle and underwent routine testing at a hospital there.”
“The motives are unclear at this stage, however, the king remains cognisant that the political environment is ripe, due to the approaching cycle of political elections. It seems the intention is to create the public perception that His Majesty, the King is unwell and unfit.”
King Misuzulu expressed his deep condolences with regard to the untimely death of Xaba. The Royal family said that Xaba served the crown diligently for many years.
Although the title of king of the Zulu nation does not bestow executive power, the monarchs wield great moral influence over more than 11 million Zulus, who make up nearly a fifth of South Africa’s population of 60 million people.
King Goodwill Zwelithini, who died after more than 50 years in charge, left six wives and at least 28 children.
Misuzulu is the first son of Zwelithini’s third wife, who he designated as regent in his will.
The queen however died suddenly a month after Zwelithini, leaving a will naming Misuzulu as the next king, a development that did not go down well with other family members.