Ramaphosa approaches SCA to challenge judgment setting aside his recognition of King Misuzulu

BLOEMFONTEIN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has approached the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to challenge a High Court judgment which set aside his recognition of Misuzulu kaZwelithini as king of the Zulu nation.  

The recognition came months before King Misuzulu was traditionally crowned in a ceremony called 'Ukungena Esibayeni' at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma.

But a year later, the High Court in Pretoria said the process was unlawful and invalid.

On Wednesday, Ramaphosa’s lawyers will defend his decision to officially recognise King Misuzulu as the AmaZulu king.

The decision was set aside after the king’s uncle, Prince Mbonisi and the King’s older brother, Prince Simakadesamakhosi, approached the Pretoria High Court, saying the identification process was not done properly.

The court ruled in the prince’s favour and also ordered President Ramaphosa to establish an investigating committee to probe the nomination process. 

Zulu regiments, chiefs and headmen are expected to form part of Wednesday's proceedings.