By Celani Sikhakhane
- He says he needs money to take his fight for the Zulu throne to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
- The royal family is divided, with some rejecting his claim that he was adopted as the eldest son.
Prince Simakade kaZwelithini is asking the public to donate money to help him face King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in the Supreme Court of Appeal over the Zulu throne.
The court battle is set for Wednesday 28 May and Thursday 29 May.
Prince Thokozani Zulu, who speaks for Prince Simakade, told Daily Sun that they need more funds but refused to say how much they have spent since the case began.
In 2023, the North Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of Prince Simakade. Judge Norman Davis said President Cyril Ramaphosa’s move to recognise King Misuzulu in 2022 was not valid.
He said the Zulu royal family must start the nomination process from scratch.
President Ramaphosa has now taken the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Prince Simakade says he is the rightful heir because he was adopted as the eldest son by the mother of King Misuzulu.
But his uncle, Prince Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu, has dismissed the claim. He said no one adopted Simakade, and their brother, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, would have said something if it were true.
Prince Mbonisi backs Prince Buzabazi kaZwelithini — the eldest son of King Goodwill Zwelithini and his second wife Queen Nobuhle kaMathe of kwaDlamahlahla Royal Palace.
Princess Bukhosibemvelo kaZwelithini has also rejected Simakade’s story.
“Prince Simakade is seriously telling lies. He only came to my mom after school for visits. She saw he liked staying with her and told our father he could move in. He grew up in our home. We are shocked he now claims he was adopted,” she said.
Pictured above: Prince Simakade kaZwelithini in a grey golf shirt with his faction and legal team preparing for the Supreme Court of Appeal case over the Zulu throne as he asks the public for donations.
Image source: Zulu royal family
