Misuzulu kaZwelithini has been officially crowned as the new King of the Zulu nation at a ceremony in the royal palace in Nongoma after the throne became vacant following the passing of his father King Goodwill Zwlithini.
King Misuzulu was officially introduced to his subjects as King of the Zulu nation. The King was introduced to his ancestors in the kraal built by his regiments at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma on Saturday.
On Friday night, the king entered the kraal entered the kraal with the only selected few. One Saturday large crowds of people made their way to the royal palace to witness the crowning of the new king.
After entering the royal kraal and performing the necessary rituals, Misuzulu came out fully dressed as King. He was joined by a handful of elders.
King Misuzulu was then wrapped with leopard skin by royal family elder, Prince Philemon Zulu. After entering the royal kraal, Misuzulu was announced as the new King of the Zulu nation.
He was received with loud cheers as his subjects hailed ‘Wena We Ndlovu, Bayede!’ The word Bayede is a salutation reserved only for the Zulu monarchs.
Queen mother, Mavis MaZungu, the wife of the late King Bhekuzulu, and senior Prince Philemon have pledged their support for King Misuzulu. They said whoever is against King Misuzulu is against the nation.
Queen mother Sibongile Dlamini, the late King’s first wife has backed her son Prince Simakade as the rightful heir. Prince Magosuthu Buthelezi, however, said the king the king is already in the throne and added that this cannot be reversed.
The handing over of the certificate by the government to the new King is expected to take place next month at Moses Mabhida stadium once the official date is announced.
Source: Eyewitness News, The Citizen, News24, Al Jazeera, image from Twitter