By Celani Sikhakhane
The Buthelezi family welcomed King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to their home at kwaPhindangene in KwaZulu-Natal to allow him to pay his final respects.
The support given to King Misuzulu comes as a denial of Prince Simakade Zulu’s claims to the throne and his planned visit to the Buthelezi family as the self-proclaimed king of the Zulu nation.
Due to Zulu cultural norms, the King couldn’t attend Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s funeral on Saturday, but he expressed his condolences on Monday, reminiscing about the role the late Prince played throughout his life.
King Misuzulu said: “Although the culture prevented my physical presence at uMntwana wakwaPhindangene’s funeral, I was there spiritually. It pains me to realise I won’t see him anymore.”
Inkosi Mpiyakhe Buthelezi, the acting chief of the Buthelezi clan, affirmed to the King: “We have heard claims of others calling themselves king. But to us, you are the only King of the Zulu nation. Those aspiring to visit us with such titles tomorrow must forget.”
However, the relationship between King Misuzulu and the late Prince wasn’t without strain.
Last week, Princess Phumzile Buthelezi spoke of a heated altercation between the two that led to the deterioration of her father’s health.
King Misuzulu had reportedly blasted Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi with strong words, even dismissing the Prince’s legal representation.
With the responsibility of naming a new Traditional Prime Minister on King Misuzulu’s shoulders, rumours are rife about the potential candidates.
Prince Vanana Zulu of the kwaMinyamanzi Royal House and iNkosi Sifiso Shinga of the House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders are among the frontrunners.
Pictured above: Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, son of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, welcomes King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the kwaPhindangene Residence
Image source: Supplied
