President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement released on Wednesday night, that he recognised the king-elect in terms of Section 8(3)(a) and (b) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.
“As required by the act, the recognition of the king-elect by the president follows consultations with the minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs and the premier of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
Ramaphosa added: “The assumption of the throne by His Majesty King Misuzulu Zulu is a moment of great significance in the proud and distinguished history of AmaZulu. His Majesty is the successor to a long line of revered monarchs, who fought with great courage and determination for the welfare and security of their people. I join all the people of South Africa in wishing His Majesty King Misuzulu Zulu a long and prosperous reign.”
King Goodwill Zwelithini died in March 2021.
In his last testament, he appointed his third wife, Queen Mantfombi Shiyiwe Dlamini-Zulu, as regent until a new king is announced by the royal household. Dlamini-Zulu became Great Wife because of her royal blood as the daughter of King Sobhuza of eSwatini and Princess Manoni.
Her union to King Zwelithini was on the condition that her male children would be first in the line of succession to the throne upon his death.
Dlamini-Zulu was regent for a month in 2021 before passing away albeit, unexpectedly. Just before her death, she appointed Misuzulu, her eldest son with late King Zwelithini, as the successor of his parents.
This appointment was greeted with resistance and led to a court tussle, with some members of the family saying Misuzulu should not take over the reins.
Earlier this month, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled that the coronation of Prince Misuzulu as king may go ahead.
Judge Madondo dismissed with costs the application by Prince Mbonisi Zulu to stop his nephew, Misuzulu, from being crowned as the Zulu king.
He ruled that the prince’s bid to stop the coronation was misplaced.