Zulu monarch ‘must guard against political factions’

As rightful monarch of the Zulu nation, King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini should guard against being used by political factions, a political analyst warns.

Showing allegiance to one or more formation other than his supporters would lead to chaos, analyst Protas Madlala said on Monday after the coronation of King Misuzulu at the Khangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, at the weekend.

Madlala cited past incidents when the ANC and the IFP fought for the previous king’s allegiance.

“We have seen how detrimental and chaotic it became when the late king was used in the political contestation between the ANC and the IFP up until his death. The new king should always be mindful of his role to stay above party politics. However, he is in a difficult position as it is clear that he owes a lot to his ascent to the throne to the crown Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who is also president emeritus of the IFP.”

Madlala said concerns had re-emerged around the controversial Ingonyama Trust, which owns large tracts of land in so-called traditional areas that have been used for tourist developments, gaming and mining, but is yet to benefit various tribes and communities.

“The trust has its origins pre-1994 and was reviewed in line with the post-1994 democratic constitution. The king is the sole trustee of the land and the administration of the trust itself is via a board. Many believe it is a homeland demarcation and has no place in our democracy. It can and will be exploited by those who want to make use of the land,” Madlala said.

Cultural experts also have weighed in on the new king, saying he is unafraid  and will do his duty to his people. According to Dr Gugu Mazibuko, he is unlikely to be swayed by the family infighting or other pressure.

Mazibuko said Misuzulu’s coronation was attended by thousands, including delegations of royals from other African countries, political and government leaders and masses of ordinary South Africans, which shows respect for the legacy of the late king, Goodwill Zwelithini, and the Zulu royal house.

“There has often been debate around the existence of the Zulu monarchy. It is a constitutionally recognised monarchy and all indications are that Misuzulu will be a popular king.”

She said he has shown that he is above party politics and will not be “used” by any political faction.

Misuzlu’s ascension to the throne has been fraught with legal challenges and battles from his siblings and other seniors within the royal family who feel he is not the rightful heir.

Before gazetting his position as king, President Cyril Ramaphosa commissioned a panel to meet the two main opposing factions to determine who they deemed to be the rightful heir to the throne.

A week ago, a faction of the royal family performed the final ritual and crowned Prince Simakade as king of the Zulu nation. On Thursday, other senior members announced Prince Buzabazi as their preferred king.

And just hours before Misuzulu performed the final ritual of “entering the kraal” — which is the final step to being crowned king — his sisters, princesses Ntandoyenkosi Zulu and Ntombizosuthu Zulu-Duma sought an urgent interdict in the high court in Pietermaritzburg to halt the coronation until the outcome of a matter regarding the late king’s will. But the court struck it off the roll.

On Friday, an application for leave to appeal against a previous ruling on the will by late king Zwelithini’s first wife, Sibongile Dlamini-Zulu, was granted by the Supreme Court of Appeal.

“Despite the challenges he appeared unshaken and was confident in his approach to take on a role destined to fulfil his father’s footsteps. His mother was the only princess among the many wives of the king, and from a very early age he would have been told that being king would be his destiny,” said Mazibuko. She said political parties in KwaZulu-Natal should refrain from trying to influence him for their own needs.

In his address, King Misuzulu said: “We ought to pursue unity and not divisions.” He said that when approached by those purporting to be king, his subjects should “lend them an ear”.

According to Mazibuko, among his first duties given that he began his reign just after the Covid-19 pandemic, Misuzulu will begin to reinstate all traditional ceremonies and rituals and meet all of his subjects.