I’ll go to the grave fighting: AmaZulu King MisuZulu’s throne under fire, vows to fight for his legacy until the end

UPhongolo, KwaZulu-Natal – The battle for the AmaZulu throne continues to rage, with King MisuZulu kaZwelithini, the current occupant of the prestigious seat, vowing to fight for his claim until his dying breath. This declaration, made during the installation ceremony of Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi of the eMbongombongweni tribal authority, underscores the deep-seated divisions within the royal family and the ongoing struggle for power and legitimacy.

“I have accepted that I will go to the grave fighting for my throne like many other traditional leaders facing a similar struggle,” King MisuZulu declared, his voice carrying a weight of determination. His words, delivered with a resolute air, sent a clear message to his rivals: he is not prepared to relinquish his claim without a fight.

The King’s ascension to the throne has been a tumultuous affair, marked by legal challenges, internal conflicts, and a deep sense of uncertainty. His appointment, based on the will of his late father, King Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu, was met with fierce opposition from several members of the royal family, who contested the legitimacy of the process and the selection of MisuZulu as the rightful heir.

I’m happy for you, Shenge (Buthelezi clan name), that you ascended the throne with no objections from the family. Unlike me, I have been fighting since day one,” said the AmaZulu King, contrasting his own tumultuous journey to the throne with the relatively smooth succession of Inkosi Buthelezi.

The late King Zwelithini’s passing in March 2021 triggered a period of intense turmoil within the AmaZulu royal house. Various factions emerged, each vying for control of the throne and the vast influence and power associated with it. The late king’s brother, Prince Mbonisi, emerged as a vocal opponent of MisuZulu’s claim, arguing that he was not a suitable candidate for the throne. Instead, he championed the cause of Prince Simakade KaZwelithini, the late king’s first-born son born out of wedlock.

The battle for the throne has played out in the courts, with legal challenges and counter-challenges further exacerbating the divisions within the royal family. The presidency’s recognition of MisuZulu was challenged in court by Prince Simakade’s faction, leading to a legal battle that further complicated the succession process.

AmaZulu King cancels Umgidi ceremony address as he mourns uncle’s death

Zulu king Misuzulu has decided not to address the last day of the Umgidi ceremony – as planned at Enyokeni Royal Palace on Sunday.

The monarch – who appeared visibly emotional on Saturday is in mourning following the death of his uncle Prince Mbongiseni Zulu.

The senior prince was murdered in Nongoma last week.

The royal family spokesperson prince Thulani Zulu.

“Today is worse for the king, I don’t even think he will be here because the king is hurt – so much is hurt.”

Customarily, the king is supposed to be in seclusion until after the funeral.

But on Saturday he attended the prayer service – as he is also a member of the Shembe church.

[WATCH] Umgidi wenjobo assembles ahead of the ceremony. #Shembe @ewnreporter pic.twitter.com/JFEa1mO0Ni

— Nhlanhla Mabaso (@_NMabaso) November 27, 2022

Date of AmaZulu King certificate handover ceremony announced

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, AmaZulu Traditional Prime Minister, has announced the date for the certificate handover ceremony for AmaZulu King, MisuZulu KaZwelithini.

It will take place on 29 October at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.

Buthelezi says further details will be shared in due course.

AmaZulu King: Keep observing the reed dance tradition

Maidens in KwaZulu-Natal presented their reeds before newly crowned Amazulu King Misuzulu on Saturday.

The reed dance, where maidens undergo virginity testing and then present their reeds to the King, is a long-standing Zulu culture to promote s.e.xual abstinence to young girls.

The King’s late parents – AmaZulu King Goodwill Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, revived the reed dance ceremony back in the 1990s.

This was also used as one of the fights to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.

The King flanked by his regiments, Amabutho – accepted the first reed outside the Emachobeni Royal Palace, in Ingwavuma, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

He then proceeded to watch hundreds of maidens leaving their reeds outside the palace fence.

The King encouraged them to keep observing the tradition.

“Ceremonies like the reed dance build up the nation and preserve tradition so that the nation unites,” said King Misuzulu, who expressed gratitude at the maidens’ presence to observe the reed dance.

Later this month, thousands will gather for the main reed dance at Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.

AmaZulu King coronation postponed

The coronation for the new amaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has been postponed.

The royal family says the postponement is due to the need to focus on healing and rebuilding KZN after the devastating floods.

The royal family also mourning the deaths of 10 members

I’ve got very big shoes to fill, says AmaZulu King

AmaZulu King MisuZulu KaZwelithini admits it’s a daunting task to lead one of South Africa’s biggest nations but he says he’s grateful for the support he’s been receiving.

The monarch was taking part in a two-day sabbath prayer and umgidi at the Royal Palace in Northern KZN.

It was organised by the Nazareth Baptist Church, popularly known as Shembe.

“I thank Shembe, uNyazi for supporting us as a family of KwaKhangela [Royal Palace] during the passing of the late King and the late Queen,” the monarch said.

“I would also like to thank you for supporting me when the time came for me to ascend to the throne, which was a very difficult thing for me to get used to and to accept that I am going to fill these big shoes, size fifty, yet I’m just a size five.”