By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Constitutional Court has refused Prince Simakade Zulu and others’ leave to appeal the judgment that affirmed the recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
This effectively ends the fight for the Zulu throne, which started in 2021 following the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini.
In October 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) had set aside the 2023 judgment by Pretoria High Court by Judge Norman Davis which ruled that President Cyril Ramaphosa erred when he recognised King Misuzulu as the leader of the Zulu nation.
Prince Simakade filed the papers together with Prince Mbonisi (a brother of the late King), saying SCA judgment handed by Judge Dumisani Zondi, was flawed and should be set aside.
In their papers, they wanted the selection for the throne to be upheld through a proper statutory mechanism.
On Friday, the Constitutional Court rejected Simakade’s application for leave to appeal.
“The highest court found that there were no reasonable prospects of success in Simakade’s application. It refused leave to appeal and ordered that costs must be paid.”
The crowning ceremony – held in Durban and presided over by Ramaphosa and attended by heads of state, dignitaries and thousands, including colourful Zulu warriors and maidens – meant that Misuzulu succeeded his father, who died in February 2021 of Covid-19 complications, after he had been admitted to a Durban hospital.
In his will, read at the fateful meeting that nominated then Prince Misuzulu as next king, Zwelithini stated that his wife and Swazi princess, Queen Mantfombi, would choose his successor.
Queen Mantfombi died less than two months after her husband. She had married Zwelithini in 1977 and her bride price was collected from members of the Zulu nation. In her will, which was also read after her untimely death, she nominated her first-born son, Misuzulu, as the next king nominee, and her choice was supported by leading members of the Zulu royal family, including Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Since then members of the Zulu Royal family have been deeply divided over the succession debate, with some supporting Misuzulu and others favouring his half-brother and the late king’s oldest living son, Simakade, for the position.
AmaZulu are the largest ethnic group in South Africa, with an estimated 12 million Zulu-speaking people, predominantly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). isiZulu is the home language to about 24% of South Africans. Data shows that in 2022, South African taxpayers were paying up to R75-million (over US$4-million) each year to support the king and Zulu royal family members.
The KZN Premier’s office is responsible for the administrative support of the Zulu king, regarding his official roles, duties and functions in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act. It also pays his remuneration, subsistence and travel expenses, as well as claims for trips he undertakes.