King Misuzulu calls for unity within royal family after Supreme Court victory

Zulu Monarch Misuzulu kaZwelithini is calling for unity, reconciliation, and healing among members of the royal family following a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision that affirmed his legitimacy as king.

The ruling, delivered on Monday, overturned a previous judgment by the Pretoria High Court. In December 2023, the High Court ruled that the recognition of King Misuzulu by President Cyril Ramaphosa was unlawful and invalid in terms of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019.

However, the SCA has now set aside the earlier judgment, essentially finding that the process followed by the royal family in identifying King Misuzulu and the subsequent recognition by the government were in line with legal and customary requirements.

The SCA found that no substantive evidence existed to challenge the identification process at the time of the President's decision.

Despite this definitive legal victory, tensions within the Zulu royal family remain, with some of the King's siblings still holding differing views and believing that the King's older brother, Prince Simakade kaZwelithini, is the rightful heir to the throne.

The King, however, is now appealing for all parties to set their differences aside.

Royal family spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu conveyed the King's message, stating that the ruling confirms the legitimacy of the family's decision and marks a new path forward.

"His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini calls upon all members of the Royal Family to embrace unity, reconciliation, and healing," said Prince Thulani. "The King wishes this moment to serve as a turning point towards renewed strength, solidarity, and peace within the Royal Household and throughout the Zulu Nation."

Prince Zulu added that the ruling affirms the family's identification of Misuzulu as the rightful monarch.