The cracks within the royal rebel camp have finally caught up with them – and this time, it has cost Prince Simakade kaZwelithini dearly, writes Celani Sikhakhane in his Royal Mzansi column.
The Supreme Court of Appeal ruling in favour of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini was not just a legal loss for the rebels; it was a clear sign that disunity in the royal house can be fatal to any cause.
It all began with Princess Thembi Ndlovu and Prince Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu, who stood shoulder to shoulder when the Zulu throne became vacant after the passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini and Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza.
Back in May 2021, at kwaKhangela Amankengane Royal Palace, they both objected when Advocate Griffiths Madonsela read the late Queen Regent’s will naming Misuzulu as the next King. They felt Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi had handled the meeting unfairly and vowed to challenge the process.
At first, their mission was united – but soon the royal family politics took a familiar turn.
Prince Mbonisi began to shift his loyalty. First, he backed Prince Nhlendla, the son of Queen Zesuliwe LaMafu, then later changed his support to Prince Buzabazi, son of Queen Buhle kaMathe.
He even went as far as rejecting Prince Simakade’s claim that he was the rightful heir because he had been adopted by Queen Regent Mantfombi as her firstborn son.
Princess Thembi, on the other hand, stood by that version and even supported it in her affidavit.
By the time the case reached the appeal court, the rebels were divided, and King Misuzulu stood firm.
Had Princess Thembi and Prince Mbonisi managed to stay united behind one story, perhaps the outcome might have been different. But in the Zulu royal court, division is always the enemy of victory.
Pictured above: The siblings of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzu at his funeral, Prince Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu and Princess Thembi who turned against each other over who should be the next King of the Zulu Nation.
Image source: KZN Office of the Premier.
