Picture: for illustration purposes
In an unexcepted turn of events, Prince Simakade's public declaration from May 2021, where he renounced any interest or claim to the Zulu throne, has severely undermined his current court proceedings. This case, which aims to dethrone King Misuzulu, has been marred by the revelations from the aforementioned letter.
Now a part of the legal documents in Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg courts and the official royal press, the letter clearly highlights Prince Simakade's initial awareness of his invalid claim to the Zulu throne. The prince's desires shifted only after he was coaxed into joining the Zulu royal family's internal strife as the late King Goodwill Zwelithini's eldest son.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's legal counsel, advocate Marumo Moerane SC, brought the damning letter to Judge Norman Davis's attention during the ongoing lawsuit, originally sent days before the May 14, 2021, royal meeting. This pivotal gathering led to the election of then-Prince Misuzulu as the new king — a decision Prince Simakade and his legal advisors want nullified due to alleged inappropriate attendance from non-royal individuals.
Moerane challenged not only the validity of the letter's concerns but also the credibility of Princess Thembi's letter to Ramaphosa and KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala's legal compliance. As the letter lacks allegations against King Misuzulu's designation according to Zulu customary law, Ramaphosa was under no obligation to heed its contents.
Furthermore, Moerane deflected the obligation of President Ramaphosa to follow the mediation panel's suggestion of postponing King Misuzulu's reign until the dispute is settled. He closed his arguments by rejecting the claim that Ramaphosa didn't sincerely analyze the situation before certifying King Misuzulu's recognition.
The ongoing saga continues to split loyalties and exposes the true depths of the Zulu royal family's internal conflict and sets precedence on the legitimacy of the Zulu throne succession.