By Celani Sikhakhane
The royal family of controversial KwaZulu-Natal traditional leader, Prince Melizwe Dlamini, who once wanted the same status as that of the Zulu king, is due to be replaced.
Prince Melizwe Dlamini of Nhlangwini, South Coast of KZN, brought South African politics to a standstill after he challenged King Zwelithini’s kingship in 2006 through the Nhlapho Commission and later the Sikhakhane Commission.
Dlamini wanted his clan to be declared as an independent nation in KZN with their own monarch, who would have not bowed to the Zulu Kingdom.
He passed away in 2021, a few days after the passing of King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
He was also a blood relative of the Zulu royal family.
On Monday his family spokesperson, Prince Mqondisi Dlamini, told Scrolla.Africa that as part of their tradition, they had to wait for a year before they could do a cleansing ceremony and later officially install his successor.
“The cleansing ceremony is planned to take place on the 16, 17 and 18 of June where the nation and regiments will be cleansed in the river,” said Prince Mqondisi.
He stated that Prince Melizwe’s son, Prince Nqalabutho, is on the throne as a regent and waiting for his official coronation which will take place soon after the family meeting that will be held after the cleansing.
After his bid to challenge Zwelithini’s kingship, Prince Melizwe suffered from the worst isolation in the history of traditional leadership.
Politicians who used to flock to his Nhlangwini royal residency, such as Nkosazane Dlamini Zuma and many others, withdrew their association with him.
Investors from Dubai who were to develop his areas disappeared.
The then president Jacob Zuma, former KZN premier Dr Zweli Mkhize and many other high-profile politicians distanced themselves from him and started to strengthen their strong relationship with Zwelithini and declare him as the only king in KZN.
Both the Nhlapho and the Sikhakhane Commissions’ findings declared Melizwe’s bid to be a king in KZN as unfounded.
He then lost businesses, including his luxury mansion in La Lucia, which was auctioned but later saved by an unknown friend.
He also lost his lucrative business from Seef Properties after his licence was cancelled.
The state withdrew its VIP Protection Unit from him and he claimed that all of these acts against him were being orchestrated by the government, along with the Zulu monarch.
Pictured above: Prince Melizwe Dlamini who wanted the same status as Zulu King through Nhlapho Commission
Image source: Twitter
