Celani Sikhakhane
A faction of the Zulu Royal Family that is opposed to the upcoming coronation of Zulu King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini has come up with a plan to unseat him.
If successful the plan would see late King Goodwill Zwelithini’s first wife Queen Sibongile becoming the Regent.
The plan is apparently to be attempted during a royal household meeting which was announced by Traditional Prime Minister to the Monarch, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, on the instruction of King Misuzulu last week. No date has yet been fixed for the meeting, which will be announced as soon as the country is back to Level 3 lockdown.
Family spokesperson from the rebel faction Prince Mbonisi Zulu said he couldn’t comment because he was in a meeting.
A source who is a senior member of the royal family and is among the confidants of Queen Sibongile told Scrolla.Africa that there are secret discussions that have been convened without the knowledge of Prince Buthelezi to prepare for the meeting.
“In actual fact the process to appoint King Misuzulu was not in line with the traditional act and most of the senior houses were not given a chance to participate. Another thing is that when Queen Regent Mantfombi of Khangelamankengana passed away, Queen Sibongile took over the senior role as the head wife.
“Remember that since Queen Mantfombi was from the Royal family it automatically made her a senior wife for her birth status although she was the third wife. Then her passing paved the way for Queen Sibongile to be the senior Queen,” the source said.
He said that the meeting that was announced by Prince Buthelezi is the result of the family meetings that have been convened with King Misuzulu and the royal Rebel faction.
The alternative ascendants to the throne being proposed by the rebel faction include Prince Simakade, who is the son of King Zwelithini born out of wedlock from a teenage lover from the Mthenjane family.
The second name is Prince Simangaye, the last born son of the late Queen Regent Mantfombi.
Prince Thulani Zulu said that they don’t know anything about the issue of Queen Sibongile being appointed regent but confirmed the meeting which was announced by Prince Buthelezi which will involve all Royal houses of the Zulu Kingdom.
