The Legal Battle for South Africa's Zulu Throne Rages On

A brewing conflict has now emerged in South Africa's Zulu kingdom and taken center stage in the country's judicial system. The ongoing dispute over right to the Zulu throne between King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and his half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, is currently under intense deliberation at the Gauteng High Court, in Pretoria.

This internal royalty feud has shed light on the shaky succession plan and process within South Africa's largest ethnic community, which boasts an estimated 12 million Zulu-speaking people concentrated in the KwaZulu-Natal region. The Zulu king is the most respected traditional leader in South Africa, and the kingdom is celebrated historically for resisting British colonialism in the 19th century.

Prince Simakade is demonstrating strong opposition against the presidency’s endorsement of King Misuzulu. He urges the court to cancel President Cyril Ramaphosa's affirmation of King Misuzulu as the rightful successor. The Prince disputes the application of traditional and legal procedures in appointing Misuzulu, arguing that Ramaphosa hastily issued Misuzulu a certificate of recognition and royal acceptance.

Last year, efforts to impede King Misuzulu's coronation ended in failure. Following the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini in 2021, Misuzulu, as the oldest son, was subsequently crowned. King Zwelithini's 50-year reign marked him as the longest-serving Zulu monarch. Misuzulu's mother, Queen Mantfombi, served as regent for a brief period before her demise but named Misuzulu her successor in her will.

President Ramaphosa’s attorney, Marumo Moerane, defended the controversial decision during Tuesday's court session. Justifying that the presidential certificate was issued following consultation with the Zulu royal family that affirmed Misuzulu as king. Further, he cited previous court rulings that dismissed litigation contesting Misuzulu’s ascension.

The Zulu royal house controls roughly 30% of KwaZulu Natal's land through the Ingonyama Trust, and receives an annual provincial government grant exceeding $4 million for the maintenance of royal households and cultural activities. Court deliberations are set to resume on Wednesday.