Celani Sikhakhane
In his fight to block the coronation of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, his uncle Prince Mbonisi KaBhekuzulu has accused Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi of “misusing” the royal family to advance his political career.
Prince Mbonisi, who is the late King Zwelithini’s brother, has filed an urgent application with the Pretoria High Court to block the coronation of Misuzulu as the next Zulu king.
The respondents named are President Cyril Ramaphosa, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala, the Coronation Committee, King Misuzulu, all the late king’s wives and Prince Mangosuthu. They have been given until next Thursday to respond.
Prince Mbonisi said that it is not the first time Buthelezi has misused the royal name for his political agenda. He claims he was guilty of it during the reign of the late King Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu.
“A fair process of identifying and selecting an heir to the Zulu throne was hijacked by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, whose interest is to advance his political interests,” wrote Prince Mbonisi in his application.
Prince Mbonisi cited Prince Buthelezi’s recent appearance on an IFP election poster as evidence of this.
He has also accused Prince Buthelezi of misleading King Misuzulu by telling him that he is the rightful heir to the Zulu throne.
The rebel uncle also claims in his court papers that Buthelezi, who is currently the Zulu traditional prime minister, is not even a senior Zulu royal family member.
The application was filed by Mabuza Attorneys to assist Prince Mbonisi to block the upcoming coronation that is planned to take place in Nongoma.
The fight over the Zulu throne started soon after the planting of King Zwelithini at kwaDlamahlahla Royal Cemeteries in Nongoma last year.
It has been prolonged since then with the royal family in and out of the high court over the throne, which is worth an annual budget of more than R65 million.
