By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelelezi has described the installation of Prince Simakade Zulu as an illegal activity and that the law must take its course.
Prince Buthelezi, who is the longest serving traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarch and kingdom, says the ritual is to report to the ancestors that King Goodwill Zwelithini has departed the stage.
This is after a faction of the Zulu royal family installed Prince Simakade Zulu during a sacred royal family ceremony called “entering the kraal”.
According to Prince Simakade’s supporters, the prince, who was installed at the eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, is the successor to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
This is despite the fact that the South African government has already certified King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the legitimate ruler of the Zulu nation.
Prince Simakade, who is the eldest surviving son of the King Goodwill Zwelithini, enjoys the support of the late king’s brother, Prince Mbonisi Zulu, some of the late king’s queens, some princesses and a section of Amabutho (Zulu regiments).
The prince and his supporters have been challenging the process that led to King Misuzulu’s appointment as the successor of King Zwelithini.
Misuzulu was appointed new Zulu king in line with the will left behind by his mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini, who at the time of her death in April last year was holding the position of Zulu nation regent.
However, Prince Simakade and his supporters believe that the decision on the late king’s successor should be made by members of the royal family.
Prince Buthelezi, said Prince Simakade and his supporters have failed to make a compelling case in court, described the ceremony as “meaningless”.
“His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is already on the throne. His position has been recognised and announced by the president of the country and has been gazetted.
“There is thus no space to contest His Majesty’s authority nor to pretend to have any claim to the throne. This fact has been repeatedly reinforced through failed court actions brought by those who have sought to challenge the reality of His Majesty’s enthronement,” Buthelezi said.