By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Kwa-Khangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma in Northern Kwa-Zulu-Natal was abuzz as the cleansing ceremony for amaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini entered its second day on Sunday.
The inhlambo, which is a cleansing ceremony, marks the end of the mourning period for the royal family.
The cleansing follows the passing of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
In Zulu culture, the cleansing ceremony is necessary for family members to end the mourning period for the deceased and spiritually assist the family to help them move forward.
King Misuzulu says he harbours no ill-feeling towards anyone, despite the ongoing ugly public spats within the Zulu royal family and having family members who are openly challenging his ascendancy to the throne.
The king says in spite of all their internal ructions, they are still family members and KwaKhangelamankengane palace in Nongoma, the new seat of royal power which is being disputed, is home to all.
“I am pleased that we were able to get this (ceremony) done even though not of all us took part because of our differences on some issues. Despite all that, we are still one family, no one is hated, and no one is going to be exiled and told not to come to the royal house. This is home, a home for everyone, no one will be barred from coming here,” King Misuzulu said.
Furthermore, the king was pleased that the ceremony was attended by Queen Zola Mafu, the last and younger wife of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.
For the longest time, Mafu who hails from Eswatini, has been shunning ceremonies hosted at the palace of KwaKhangelamankengane, opting to attend ceremonies hosted at the rival place of KwaKhethomthandayo.
“I appreciate the presence of (Queen) Mafu, her presence is significant, in fact, with her presence, it’s like the late king is here himself. We appreciate this,” the king said.
His comment regarding the differences comes as early this week Prince Mbonisi and the royal group opposed to King Misuzulu’s rule, issued a statement, saying the ceremony was a “comical” one as they have conducted it in June last year.