President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally recognised Prince Misuzulu as the new Zulu king, weeks after a court cleared the delayed coronation of the prince.
In a statement, the Presidency said the recognition of the King-Elect by Ramaphosa followed consultations with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and KwaZulu-Natal provincial premier Sihle Zikalala.
“Ramaphosa has, today… in terms of Section 8(3)(a) and (b) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019, recognised King-Elect Prince Misuzulu Sinqobile Zulu as King of AmaZulu Kingship,” the statement said.
This follows the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini in March last year and the subsequent passing away of the Regent, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini, the following month.
Ramaphosa described the assumption of the throne by King-Elect Misuzulu as “a moment of great significance in the proud and distinguished history of AmaZulu.”
“His Majesty is the successor to a long line of revered monarchs, who fought with great courage and determination for the welfare and security of their people. I join all the people of SA in wishing His Majesty King Misuzulu Zulu a long and prosperous reign,” he said.
King-Elect Misuzulu’s coronation was postponed from last year after some members of the royal family approached the high court to stop the process until the issue of an allegedly doctored will of the late King Zwelithini is finalised.
The high court, however, ruled that the pending inheritance court case had nothing to do with the coronation of the new king as the candidature of King-Elect Misuzulu as the next in line to the throne was not in question.
JN/APA