Durban - Prince Simakade’s supporters are still adamant that he is the rightful successor to the Zulu throne.
This is despite President Cyril Ramaphosa handing over the certificate recognising King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the king of the Zulu nation at a ceremony at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 29.
In a media briefing held yesterday, Prince Simakade’s spokesperson, Prince Mandla Zulu, said their view was that according to culture, King Misuzulu should not be the king and added that the matter should have been corrected from the beginning.
“Just because his mother (Mantfombi Dlamini) is from the royal family does not mean that he automatically becomes the king,” he said.
Sibusiso “Ingonyama” Mbatha, one of Simakade’s staunchest backers, said despite what happened at Moses Mabhida stadium, they were fully in support of those in the royal family who regarded Simakade as the king.
“We know that the royal family said Simakadesamakhosi KaZwelithini is the only Zulu king we have. We are surprised to see other events recognising their king.”
The royal family representative from Ekuphileni royal family, Nkosinathi Zulu, said according to them, the royal family chose Simakade as the rightful king.
“The royal family’s word is final. The Zulu nation has a king and that king is Simakadesamakhosi, even the courts cannot tell us otherwise.”
Speaking on the handover of the certificate by Ramaphosa, he said the event had nothing to do with the Zulu people and that even the late King Zwelithini did not receive a certificate in such an event.
He said King Zwelithini’s coronation was at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace.
“We have nothing to do with whatever was happening at the Moses Mabhida, they did what they did because of their ulterior motives.”
Approached for comment yesterday, King Misuzulu’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, said he had not been aware of the briefing. He added that even if Simakade went to court, nothing would change as King Misuzulu was the king of the nation.
“If they believe he (Simakade) is their king it is fine, but nothing will change that Misuzulu is the king.”
Regarding the legal battles, the prince said he could not comment.
“We are not the court, we wait until the court says something.”