Battle to Dethrone South Africa's Zulu King Reaches Court

Legal proceedings have commenced in South Africa as a segment of the Zulu royal family pursues the removal of the king from the throne, despite his relatively short reign. The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria is currently evaluating the legal contentions in the dispute over succession between King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and his half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, who asserts his right to the kingship. 

The Zulu population, consisting of approximately 12 million Zulu-speaking individuals, constitutes the largest ethnic group in South Africa, predominantly concentrated in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

Prince Simakade is seeking to have President Cyril Ramaphosa's endorsement of King Misuzulu as the rightful successor reversed. The prince is questioning the legitimacy of the traditional and legal procedures followed in appointing Misuzulu, arguing that the president's decision to recognize him and issue the necessary certificate was hasty. 

Previous attempts to halt the coronation of the king were unsuccessful in 2022. Following the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini in 2021, Misuzulu assumed the throne in 2022. King Zwelithini, who reigned for more than five decades, was the longest-serving Zulu monarch. Misuzulu is the eldest son of King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi of the royal house of eSwatini. The late king had six wives and several sons. After his passing, Misuzulu's mother served as regent for only a month before her own death. In her will, she designated her son as the next king.

During his court appearance on Tuesday, Ramaphosa's attorney, Marumo Moerane, stated that the president's act of officially acknowledging Misuzulu as the rightful heir to the throne was based on discussions with the Zulu royal family, who endorsed him as the king. Furthermore, Ramaphosa referred to past legal rulings that had already rejected previous attempts to challenge Misuzulu's ascension as evidence.

In his legal documents, Simakade contended that Ramaphosa's actions constituted procedural injustice as he failed to grant him or his trusted counselors the opportunity to present their case in light of the mediation panel.

Responsding to this, President Ramaphosa said the argument was invalid and reiterating  his stance earlier in March 2022, the Presidency stated that Misuzulu was identified by the Royal Family as the rightful king according to customary law and customs. He  insisted that his decision to recognize Misuzulu as king aligned with the requirements of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.