By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Prince Misuzulu Zulu has been announced as new king of the Zulu nation.
In a reading of the late regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu’s will by royal house lawyer advocate Madonsela on Friday evening, Prince Misuzulu was named as his late mother’s preferred candidate to ascend to the throne.
The will reading took place at KwaKhangelamankengane Palace in Nongoma.
In the will, the queen named the US educated Prince Misuzulu as the heir to the throne. Prince Misuzulu is the oldest son of Queen Mantfombi and the late king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
She left her Kwakhangelamankengane Royal Palace to all her children and their descendants, and shared her savings in various policies, assets and bank accounts, equally, among all her children.
Prince Misuzulu Zulu, 47, will have to accept the nomination, failing which, any of his brothers could be the next king by vote, through secret ballot.
The announcement of the Prince Misuzulu confirms speculation that has been swirling for weeks after his father’s burial on March 18.
Royal sources said Prince Misuzulu was being whisked away to the kingdom of Eswatini.
Making the announcement, advocate Madoda Griffiths Madonsela SC said the late queen nominated Prince Misuzulu because he had no previous conviction, was of sound mind and has no impediment that prevents him from assuming the throne.
Meanwhile Police had to hastily escort Prince Misuzulu, his siblings and the Traditional Prime Minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi from the tent where the will was being read.
The regent of the Buthelezi clan inkosi Mpikayise Buthelezi explained what happened in the meeting.
“Actually after Advocate read the will, there was a complaint, a bitter complaint on the other side of the royal family. They’re trying to oppose whatsoever written in the will. They’re trying to oppose that. But the premier of the Zulus, which I’m a deputy of him, told them they must stop. He told them It’s not a time to discuss anything here.”
More police are deployed at the AmaZulu Royal House following succession drama.
This is a developing story.