Durban - Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s ascendance to the throne became a reality on Saturday when throngs of his subjects, national and international dignitaries witnessed his Entering the Kraal ceremony.
After months of contestation and court cases – some still pending – the king showed off his power in a momentous and colourful event attended by thousands in KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, Nongoma, in the north of KwaZulu-Natal.
The day marked King Misuzulu as the 9th king to lead the Zulu nation that was formed over two centuries ago by King Shaka kaSenzangakhona. With its rich history, the Zulu nation was among the biggest in Africa and has relations with English monarchs that date back to the 1800s. While it was not yet termed “coronation”, entering the secret kraal was considered the most significant ceremony for the king and the Zulu nation as it involved rituals that connected with the ancestors.
In preparation for the ceremony, the king led a hunt on Thursday at Mkuze Falls Game Reserve, in the far north of the province, where he killed a lion – a compulsory part of the ceremony. The lion was brought into the palace and was used as part of the rituals. Gugu Mazibuko, a cultural expert from the University of KwaZulu-Natal said entering the kraal marked the official ruling of King Misuzulu, as he was introduced to the ancestors.
“The elders have informed the forefathers and great-great Zulu kings that the next heir has taken the throne.” The hunting of the lion was a compulsory process that all previous kings performed. The lion was a symbol of power, bravery, and strength. He managed to kill it at one shot, which means he is the right heir to the throne.
The lion is the leader of all animals, so he is, she said. With the official coronation expected to take place at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on September 24, Mazibuko said the ceremony would be more of a celebration and symbolic event. “All the significant rituals have been concluded,” she said. “The ancestors and the late king are now aware that King Misuzulu is leading the nation,” she said.
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, traditional prime minister to the Zulu nation, said Saturday’s ceremony was performed in line with Zulu custom for the king to fulfil the necessary rituals in celebration of his assention as king of the zulu nation. He said as President Cyril Ramaphosa has recognised Misuzulu as the king.
“The handing over of a certificate by the president, which is both symbolic and formally required, will take place on a date yet to be determined. It has been agreed between the king and the president that they will be at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban,” said Buthelezi.
International dignitaries, including kings and officials from African countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria and Ghana, were at the ceremony on Saturday. Kings from various tribes in the country as well as eSwatini also graced the occasion. King Misuzulu has strong ties with eSwatini. His late mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini, was a sister of King Mswati III.
Hundreds of princes and princesses from eSwatini sat in the front rows of the 5000-seater marquee that was erected within the palace. With detractors among his family members, the ceremony was not going to proceed without hurdles and intimidation.
His siblings, Prince Ntandoyenkosi and Princess Ntombizosuthu ZuluDuma, daughter of Queen Sibongile MaDlamini, the first wife of the late King Zwelithini, filed an urgent application in an attempt to have yesterday’s ceremony halted.
They further asked the court to interdict Ramaphosa from handing over the certificate of recognition and to halt the official coronation until their appeal before the Supreme Court of Appeals (SCA) is finalised. The matter before the SCA related to the last will and testament of the late king, where their mother, Queen MaDlamini, wanted to inherit 50% of the late king’s estate.
However, the matter was struck off the roll by Pietermaritzburg High Court Judge Thomas Hlophe, saying it was not urgent.The court challenge did not dampen the spirit of more than 10000 Zulu loyalists who came all over the country to witness the event.
They shoved one another, trying to catch a glimpse of the king as he proceeded to the main marquee. They were eager to witness the occasion that is likely to be the only one in their lifetime.
The ceremony was the first to be performed by the Zulu since the early 50s, when the king’s grandfather, King Cyprian, performed it. Clad in traditional gear, the king was flanked by armed police and private security. A senior member of the royal family, Prince Philemon pleaded with the king to rule in line with culture and customs in all aspects
SUNDAY TRIBUNE