Celani Sikhakhane
The idea that the Zulu king has to be married before ascending the throne was a convention introduced by the apartheid government.
“And if the ANC government follows that ruling, it would be following a bad practice,” said traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu nation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
“King Shaka was celibate. King Dingane was celibate by choice, yet he gave orders and declared wars. King Dinizulu also ascended the throne before he got married,” he said.
Speaking to the media on Monday at the Durban Manor Hotel, Buthelezi clarified the issue of Prince Simakade. Speculation is rife over the future of the eldest son of His Majesty the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
“I have been asked by Prince Simakade to inform the nation that he has no ambitions to be the king of the Zulu nation. He wants the matter to be laid to rest,” said Buthelezi.
Some Royal family members, including Prince Thokozani Msweli, wanted Prince Simakade to succeed King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
He also said it was up to the reigning king Misuzulu kaZwelithini to decide his future.
Buthelezi has been the traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Nation for seven decades, yet the 93 year old is still not willing to call it a day.
Buthelezi’s tenure began in 1948 following the appointment of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s grandfather, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu Nyangayezizwe kaSolomo.
“The Queen Regent Shiyiwe Mantfombi MaDlamini Zulu made it clear that I should continue to serve as the traditional Prime Minister to the Monarch and the Zulu Nation,” Buthelezi said.
He revealed that the apartheid government sought to prevent him from taking up his position as Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan because he was a member of the ANC.
