Celani Sikhakhane
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini will not be allowed to use any of the official cars bought for the late king until his role is clarified, the KwaZulu-Natal government has ruled.
Lennox Mabaso, the provincial premier’s spokesperson, told Scrolla.Africa that if they allow Misuzulu to use the vehicles this will mean that any son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu could then demand to use the official fleet.
“Misuzulu’s role is still not clear because of the family dispute over the throne taking place in court. He has not been recognised by the law or the president,” Mabaso said.
Meanwhile, a Toyota Prado that was bought for Misuzulu’s mother, the late Queen Regent Shiyiwe Mantfombi, has been taken back to the manufacturer.
“We had to take back the car because the Queen was no longer alive and it would have caused problems with the auditor-general,” said Mabaso.
On Saturday King Misuzulu said there should be no confusion about who is the king.
Speaking in Nquthu at the 143-year anniversary of the battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu war, he said: “I am your king and I am willing to work with you and take this nation forward.
“The kraal is almost complete so that my coronation can take place. The other government processes will follow.”
On Thursday, King Misuzulu’s uncle, Prince Mbonisi of eKhwezi, filed urgent court papers at the Pietermaritzburg High Court trying to block King Misuzulu from delivering the address at the commemoration.
His application was dismissed with costs after the court ruled that he was not a relevant person to block King Misuzulu.
The commemoration was funded by the IFP-run Nquthu and uMzinyathi District municipalities.