By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit:Twitter.
Zulu King-elect Misuzulu is hosting a prayer service at the Kwa Khangalemankengane royal palace in Nongoma to mark one year since his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini died.
Zwelithini died in hospital on this day last year where he was being treated for a diabetes-related illness.
Thousands of Zulu residents are making their way to the palace for the event.
Many high profile people, including the former Kings widows, children and politicians have arrived at the event.
The Saturday prayers, which were meant to also demonstrate unity within the royal family, highlighted the deep divisions instead.
There are two events being held, the other is hosted by a rival faction within the royal family at the KwaKhethomthandayo palace, 18 minutes away from the official function.
This comes amid an intense battle for the Zulu throne.
As the rift amongst the royals grew, the King’s first wife Queen Sibongile Dlamini-Zulu and her two daughters decided to approach the court. She wanted the court to assert her the right to 50% of the late King’s estate, while Princess Ntandoyenkosi Zulu and Ntombizosuthu Zulu-Duma challenged the validity of the signature on the King’s will.
The late King’s brother, Prince Mbonisi also entered the fray, filing papers to prevent a secret coronation planned to install Misuzulu.
The Queen and Prince Mbonisi’s applications were dismissed with cost. The court also ruled that King-Elect Misuzulu was the undisputed heir to the throne.