Ramaphosa to challenge judgement setting aside recognition of AmaZulu King

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The office of the the presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will challenge the High Court judgement setting aside the recognition of AmaZulu King, His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.

Earlier this week, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled that Ramaphosa’s decision to recognise King Misuzulu as the rightful heir to the throne, following the death of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in 2021, was unlawful and invalid.

The ruling came after the royal family approached the courts to determine the rightful heir, as Misuzulu’s brother Prince Simakade Zulu claimed he was entitled to the throne.

However, the king’s uncle, Prince Mbonisi Zulu, believed the family should reconvene to identify an heir. 

King Misuzulu was ordered to pay the costs of his half-brother, Prince Zulu.

The court further ordered the President to institute an investigative committee to investigate allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of King Misuzulu. 

In a brief statement, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the president said following a study of the judgement, the president will apply for leave to appeal against the judgement.

“During the course of these legal processes, His Majesty King Misuzulu remains the identified heir to the throne.” 

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He said Ramaphosa calls on all members of the Royal family to continue working for the unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu and to prioritise the interest of His Majesty’s subjects.

“It is vital that all due processes are allowed to reach their natural conclusion without inflaming tensions,” Magwenya stated. 

According to The Citizen, KwaZulu-Natal political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu described the judgment as an insult to the Zulu nation and African culture.

“It should be remembered that the court is part of the western institutions which should not prescribe to Africans on how they should appoint their traditional leader. In terms of the Zulu culture, a king is appointed in terms of Zulu traditions,” he reportedly said.