At least five kings, a prince and a former president are expected at the official recognition ceremony of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini by President Cyril Ramaphosa at Moses Matbhida stadium on Saturday.
In terms of Zulu traditions and customs, King Misuzulu has been on the throne since the conclusion of the “entering of the kraal” in Nongoma, the seat of the kingdom in the heart of Zululand, two months ago.
Ramaphosa will deliver Pretoria’s seal of approval – which last happened more than 50 years ago when the apartheid government officiated the coronation of King Goodwill kaZwelithini. The handing over of the certificate will be the official recognition that Misuzulu is the crowned king of the Zulu nation.
During a state of readiness briefing, KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said on Thursday the inter-ministerial task team, the KZN provincial executive council, eThekwini metro and the royal family committee were ready to roll out the red carpet for the international dignitaries coming to celebrate the new king.
Among foreign dignitaries confirmed for the event are:
- King Mswati III and four ministers from Eswatini,
- King Gungunyane from the province of Gaza, Mozambique,
- Kings from Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe,
- A prince and his spouse from Lesotho representing King Letsie III and,
- Former president of Botswana Ian Khama.
“The entire world bears witness to a sacred ceremony that for many people will happen once in a lifetime. The whole world is eagerly awaiting this event, steeped in historical significance, when you consider this event last happened in 1971,” said Dube-Ncube
“This exciting event which has inspired a wave of hope across the length and breadth of our society after the dark autumn in 2021, when our nation was dealt a gaping wound with the demise of King Zwelithini and Regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu in close succession.”
Dube Ncube said the capacity of about 48 000 people was expected to make their way to Moses Mabhida Stadium. More than 80 buses and 200 minibus taxis have been arranged to bring the amabutho, oMama and izintombi to the event.
Source: Sowetan Live, Daily Maverick, IOL, Eyewitness News, image from Twitter: @LRCSouthAfrica