A faction within South Africa’s Zulu royal family is pointing fingers at President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of interference in the family’s internal matters and exacerbating existing divisions. These allegations surfaced just days after the president declared his intent to appeal a court decision that nullified his coronation of Zulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini.
Prince Thokozani Zulu, a staunch supporter of the king’s half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, voiced his concerns to the local media on Sunday, contending that President Ramaphosa’s actions had effectively sabotaged any potential dialogue with the newly appointed king. Furthermore, he accused the president of aligning himself with one side in the family’s succession dispute.
The power struggle for the throne has been ongoing between Prince Simakade and King Misuzulu since the passing of their father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, in 2021. The recent court ruling invalidating President Ramaphosa’s formal coronation of King Misuzulu has reignited tensions among the family factions aligned with the two contenders. Notably, the judge emphasised that his ruling did not determine the rightful king but focused on whether the president had followed proper procedures in recognising King Misuzulu as the monarch.
In adherence to South African law, the president plays a pivotal role in officially recognising the new king. This recognition not only paves the way for the king to be treated as a constitutional monarch but also ensures government funding.