King Misuzulu's reconciliation plan at risk as detractors mull appeal of the legitimacy of his throne

Efforts to reconcile the divided Zulu royal family appear increasingly uncertain following indications that supporters of Prince Simakade kaZwelithini plan to challenge the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling affirming King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the rightful heir to the Zulu throne.

King Misuzulu’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, said the looming appeal would further strain attempts at unity within the royal household, warning that it could “throw the rivals over the cliff” and make reconciliation nearly impossible.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Appeals dismissed a challenge to King Misuzulu’s ascension, ruling that President Cyril Ramaphosa had acted lawfully in recognising him as monarch. However, Prince Simakade’s supporters have since rejected the outcome, announcing their intention to challenge the Supreme Court of Appeal's ruling.The SCA also rejected an application by Prince Mbonisi Zulu to have the process of choosing the next Zulu king started anew as he was of the conviction that the initial process was flawed.

“We have no problem with the princes appealing the court ruling because, as South African citizens, they have a right to do that,” said Prince Thulani.

“However, we did not think they would go that far. That means their rivalry goes beyond the normal battle for the throne. After the court ruling, it will not be easy to reconcile.”

He added that the judgment should have marked “a moment of unity and acceptance” within the royal family, rather than an opportunity to reopen divisions.

Despite the dissent, Prince Thulani dismissed suggestions that the Zulu monarchy was deeply fractured, insisting that opposition voices remain in the minority.

“We all know the princes who are in line for the throne. There are only four direct descendants of Bhusha (Bhekuzulu Nyangayezizwe kaSolomon), and they do not see eye to eye,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate because those princes could have been a great source of support for the monarch. If they continue down this path, they are heading towards a deep cliff.”

Prince Thulani also made it clear that King Misuzulu's detractors have no legitimacy of calling gatherings of the nation, saying only the reigning monarch has the authority to summon the Zulu nation to an imbizo.

“The princes, by virtue of their juniority, cannot invite the nation to an imbizo like the one King Misuzulu has called for 29 October. There is no royal palace they can use for that purpose because all the palaces belong to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini,” he said.The king has called a reconciliation meeting which will include princes, princesses, traditional leaders, izinduna, heads of royal palaces and royal houses, and leaders of regiments at the new eMashobeni Royal Palace in oPhongolo.

Still, the King’s camp insists that reconciliation remains possible, despite the renewed legal challenge.

Even though they have said they don’t accept the ruling, Prince Thulani, was firm in that the olive branch remains extended.

The royal dispute, which has divided traditional leaders and communities in KwaZulu-Natal, stems from differing interpretations of royal succession customs following the passing of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini in 2021. On Sunday, during a media briefing, Prince Thokozani Zulu, the spokesperson of Prince Simakade and those who back him, said the Supreme Court of Appeals judgment was flawed, however, he could not be drawn on whether there would be an appeal.

Prince Thokozani said that Prince Simakade does not understand how the SCA concluded that the 14 May 2021 meeting was properly constituted as it was chaired by the late traditional prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who they did not recognise as a royal family member.

Prince Thokozani also objected to the tradition that the heir to the throne must be determined by whether his mother is a royal and whether her lobolo was paid by the nation or not.

“We reject the SCA (ruling) but the decision to appeal or not will be taken at a later stage,” Prince Thokozani said.

He also announced that Prince Simakade and his supporters will not attend the reconciliation meeting that (King) Misuzulu has called for later this month, arguing that Prince Simakade has not received a formal invitation. Prince Thokozani said historically, this was not the way to call royal family members to a meeting and instead a delegation should have been sent or a personal invitation.-Additional reporting by Willem Phungula

SUNDAY TRIBUNE