As the date of King Misuzulu’s coronation draws closer, it is alleged that Prince Simakade Zulu will enter the Kraal a week before Misuzulu does.
This weekend the backers of the first-born son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, who was born out of wedlock, will usher him into the sacred kraal at Enyokeni palace in Nongoma.
The kraal is entering is a traditional part of the of the coronation which is followed by an official event where government is involved. The coronation date had already been set for 20 August.
AmaZulu Traditional Prime Minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has warned Prince Simakade that his intended move is illegitimate.
Prince Simakade has been a contender for the throne for some time- after he made a U-turn last year. He had initially asked Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to read out a statement on his behalf, where he said he was not interested in the throne.
The statement is now part of the court records which has been used by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to argue that Prince Simakade was not interested in the throne.
King Misuzulu will be entering the kraal next week and was recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa who confirmed that he would be attending his coronation.
Despite that, the prince has now shown interest in the throne, with his supporters preparing legal papers to challenge the recognition of Prince Misuzulu as the new King of AmaZulu.
On Wednesday, Prince Mandlakapheli Zulu, one of the few royal family members who is in support of Prince Simakade said they are forging ahead with the ceremony at Enyokeni palace.
“We are indeed going ahead with the ritual. Right now, we are doing final touches to ensure that all goes well,” Prince Mandlakapheli said.
But Buthelezi has labelled Prince Simakade’s event as illegal. He called for “calm-headedness” ahead of what he labelled a “foolish provocation.
Source: Eyewitness News, IOL, image from IOL: Motshwari Mofokeng/African News Agency (ANA)
