Brother vs brother: KwaNodunga throne dispute exposes family scandals in court
The eldest son of the late Inkosi Qedisono Zulu, Mlungisi Zulu, who is adamant that he is the rightful heir of the KwaNodunga trone in uMvoti, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: NKOSIKHONA CELE
A deep-seated sibling rivalry over the succession of the KwaNodunga Traditional Authority in uMvoti, KwaZulu-Natal, has escalated to the Pietermaritzburg High Court, with both sides leveling grave allegations against the other.
The battle between Nkanyiso Zulu, 28, and his elder brother, Mlungisi Zulu, 45, centres on claims that Nkanyiso’s 2021 installation was a result of a blunder and recklessness by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
The leadership vacuum began in 2016 following the death of Inkosi Qedisono Zulu. During the interim, Mphamandla Zulu served as regent and was present in court this week as the legal challenge unfolded.
Mlungisi contends that his younger brother has no right to the throne. Speaking to Independent Media, Mlungisi questioned the process that led to Nkanyiso’s appointment and made startling claims regarding their father’s final days.
"My younger brother convinced our father there was a plot to kill him and took him to Durban," Mlungisi alleged.
"We never saw my father again after that. He became ill in Durban and passed away. Even then, my brother did not inform me; he tried to bury him without my knowledge and lied to Cogta, saying I refused to be involved."
Mlungisi further stated that he only learned of his father's death about a month later. He argued that as the eldest son, tradition dictated he lead the funeral procession by carrying a spear before the subjects, a rite that was bypassed.
Inkosi Nkanyiso Zulu of KwaNodunga Traditional Authority flanked by the elder of the community Bongumusa Zulu on his left and Clerment Mhlaba the induna of the traditional authority.Both support the current traditional leader in the succession battle of the KwaNodunga throne that has reached the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Image: NKOSIKHONA CELE
A critical point of contention is a letter allegedly written by the late Inkosi naming Nkanyiso as his successor. Mlungisi claims the court previously rejected this document because it lacked a signature, adding that handwriting verification suggested the letter was a forgery.
However, the current Inkosi’s faction maintains the appointment is legitimate. Clerment Mhlaba, a KwaNodunga induna, argued that the letter reflected the deceased’s true wishes. This was supported by a KwaNodunga elder, Bongumusa Zulu, who claimed the late leader left the document with him for safekeeping. A similar letter was reportedly sent to a lawyer who has since passed away.
Supporters of the sitting Inkosi allege the late leader intentionally bypassed his eldest son due to a major family fallout. The faction went as far as alleging that Mlungisi had attempted to sleep with one of his father’s wives.
While the sitting Inkosi declined to comment on the proceedings, Advocate Michael Naidoo, representing Mlungisi, stated that the case requires deep scrutiny.
The matter is set to return to the Pietermaritzburg High Court on April 21, 2026.