Celani Sikhakhane
The dispute over the Zulu throne has become so heavy for the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government that Premier Sihle Zikalala has handed the matter over to president Cyril Ramaphosa.
This was revealed by Zikalala during the premier’s portfolio meeting, where he was briefing the members committee in the legislature about the development of the Zulu royal matters.
The dispute has caused a lot of uncertainty in the royal family and the Zulu nation.
It has also affected critical annual ceremonies, among them, the Reed Dance.
Zikalala said that, in terms of provisions of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act No 3 of 2019, the matter of the Zulu Royal family is now being handled by Ramaphosa.
“The president has duly delegated this function to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
“The provincial government has submitted a report to his excellency the president on all efforts that have been undertaken by the provincial government to resolve the matter, ” said Zikalala.
He said the executive council supports all efforts of the government to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
“The executive council will continue to play its supporting role and action all its responsibilities as and when it becomes necessary,” Zikalala concluded.
The issue of the Zulu kingship has also delayed the coronation of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who was announced as the new King of the Zulu Nation by traditional prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
There are family members who were against the decision to appoint King Misuzulu, and are regarded as rebels.
They raised concerns that the announcement was not in line with the norms and standards of the family.
Since then the matter has been dragged to the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is already performing official duties with his wife, Queen Ntokozo.
They are now using the official fleet of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, including his staff personnel.
There have also been three names that have been brought forward for the throne.
