By Lungani Zungu
The tension is palpable between Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki at King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini’s coronation in Moses Mabhida stadium, so much so that the former presidents have barely spoken to each other at the VIP section.
This is despite them being separated by only one seat apart – and having been seated there for more than two hours.
Zuma is sitting next to his wife Bongenkile Ngema-Zuma.
Zuma and Mbeki were once strong allies but had a major political fallout in 2007 during the watershed Polokwane elective conference – where Zuma defeated Mbeki.
Ever since that watershed conference, the two ANC leaders became arch political enemies.
The programme has officially begun with religious leaders opening the historical coronation with prayers.
The crowd erupted when King Misuzulu entered the Moses Mabhida stadium, accompanied by a handful of amabutho, to the stage.
He is flanked by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarch on stage.
King Misuzulu’s uncle King Mswati III is also in attendance.
The coronation is a mere formality as King Misuzulu is already on the throne.
He took the powerful throne when he performed the crucial entering of the kraal ritual in August.
Former President of Botswana Ian Khama is also present.
48,000 people are expected to attend the spectacle.
Pictured above: Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki
Image source: Lungani Zungu
