The Zulu King’s choice to leave his father’s royal palace has caused a stir, but history shows it is not unusual in the monarchy, writes Celani Sikhakhane in Royal Mzansi column.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s decision to move the annual Reed Dance from the eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma to the newly built eMashobeni Palace in Phongola has left many people talking.
The eNyokeni Palace was designed as the home of the cultural event, with a government-funded R140 million cultural precinct built around it. But the new site at eMashobeni has now taken over the role, leaving the older palace unused.
Senior royals say the move is not a first in Zulu history. They argue that no king has ever ruled from his father’s palace. Instead, each ruler establishes a new royal seat.
Cultural activist Professor Nomagugu Ngobese agrees. She pointed out that King Shaka left his father King Senzangakhona’s homestead to build his own capital at kwaDukuza in Stanger.
“There is nothing strange about King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s decision to move out of his father’s Palace. It has happened before. It’s the fact that no Zulu King has ever ruled in his father’s Palace. They all move out and create their own places and Kingdom to expand the Zulu Monarch,” said Professor Ngobese.
But not everyone agrees with that view. Some argue it is a misconception to say Zulu kings never rule from their fathers’ palaces. They say royal households often remain in use, though kings may shift locations depending on circumstances.
They add that the king’s main role is cultural and ceremonial, rather than political, and that his authority continues regardless of which palace he chooses.
The move by King Misuzulu has revived debate about history, tradition and the changing role of royal palaces in modern times.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is not the first king to move out of his father’s Royal residency.
Image source:KZN Office of the Premier
