Faction of Zulu royal family optimistic SCA will uphold ruling setting aside Ramaphosa's recognition of Misuzulu as king

JOHANNESBURG - A faction of the AmaZulu royal family supporting Prince Simakade says it’s optimistic that the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) will uphold a ruling that could set into motion the dethroning of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.

Tensions in the royal house reached breaking point after King Misuzulu was crowned as the Zulu monarch following the passing of his father, King Zwelithini and his mother, Queen Regent Mantfombi, in 2021.

Prince Simakade, who is King Misuzulu’s half-brother, believes he is the rightful heir to the throne, claiming customary protocols were ignored.

In December 2023, the High Court in Pretoria set aside President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recognition of King Misuzulu as king of the Zulu nation.

Less than two weeks ago, the SCA reserved judgment in the appeal over the legitimacy of the kingship.

Speaking on the matter on 702’s Nguni programme, Siyaxoxa ku-702, Prince Thokozani Zulu weighed in on what he believes needs to follow.

“We cannot take this matter back to the family for a resolution because there’s a court ruling which says the Zulu family would not be able to mediate on the matter without intervention. That way, the President must step in and do what the law requires, by appointing a committee to probe and report back on the allegations that the identification process of Misuzulu was not done in terms of customary laws and customs.”

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