By Celani Sikhakhane
The two-horse race for the Zulu throne has become even more complicated with some family elders backing a third prince.
Until now the other challenger to the throne of reigning King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has been Prince Simakade who has taken his fight to the North Gauteng High Court.
This week it emerged in court submissions that while some of the elders wanted King Misuzulu to step down, they were divided over who should take over the throne.
One of the elders, Prince Mbonisi, who is the brother of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu has thrown the name Prince Buzabazi into the hat.
The other siblings of King Misuzulu’s father — Prince Mathuba, Prince Vulindlela, and Prince Mxolisi kaBhekuzulu — are still rallying behind Prince Simakade.
Prince Mbonisi believes that Prince Simakade cannot be the king of the 15 million-strong Zulu nation because he is the child of a girlfriend (MaMthenjana of KwaNongoma) who was never married to the late king.
He also refutes claims that Prince Simakade’s adoption or assignment to a Great Wife, the late Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza, meant that he would be an heir.
On the other hand, the three siblings who support Prince Simakade believe that his half-brother Prince Buzabazi cannot be given any chance to become a king because his mother is the daughter of a commoner.
Prince Buzabazi is the first son of the King from his second wife Queen Buhle kaMathe of Dlamahlahla Royal Palace.
Culturally, Queen Mathe cannot bear an heir because she is the daughter of a commoner.
That is why the three siblings including their late sister, the rebel aunt Princess Thembi, stated that Prince Simakade is the rightful heir because he was traditionally assigned to King Misuzulu’s mother as her son.
Pictured above: Prince Buzabazi.
Image source: X
