Members of Zulu royal family aligned with Prince Simakade to respond to SCA ruling on kingship dispute

Members of the Zulu royal family aligned with Prince Simakade are expected to respond publicly on Sunday to the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling on the kingship dispute.

Last week, the SCA overturned a Pretoria High Court judgment that had set aside King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s official recognition under the Traditional Leadership and Khoi-San Act, effectively affirming the legitimacy of his ascension to the throne.

However, those opposed to King Misuzulu’s rule said they intend to make their position clear.

In March 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially recognised King Misuzulu in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Khoi-San Act.

This decision was challenged in court by princes Simakade and Mbonisi Zulu, who were the main applicants in the legal battle.

Their legal victory came in December 2023, when Judge Norman Davis of the Pretoria High Court ruled in their favour, setting aside the president’s recognition.

However, in May this year, both President Ramaphosa and the Zulu king approached the Supreme Court of Appeal to overturn that ruling and succeeded.