What was meant to be a gathering to mend fences within the Zulu Royal Family quickly turned into a platform for a monarch’s fiery frustration. King Misuzulu kaZwelithini used an address at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola to publicly lash out at his brother, Prince Simakade, delivering a stark message: end the divisive feud for the throne.
The event, initially conceived as an indaba to “smoke the peace pipe,” instead showcased the deep rifts that continue to plague the royal household, despite a recent Supreme Court of Appeal victory that solidified the King’s legal position.
A Public Chastisement
Directly addressing the challenge to his authority, the King did not mince his words. He called Prince Simakade to order with a pointed Zulu proverb: “Even if you are an orphan you must not force yourself into someone’s womb.”
This was a direct rebuttal to Prince Simakade’s longstanding claim that, according to custom, he is the eldest son of the late Queen Mantfombi and thus the rightful heira claim he has pursued through the courts. The King dismissed these continued challenges, stating, “One court has just recently said that I am the rightful heir to the throne, but still people are not satisfied.”
The Burden of the “Hot Seat”
Far from portraying his kingship as a privileged position, King Misuzulu described it as an immense burden. “These people think it is easy to sit on the throne, this is a hot seat, even myself I am burning,” he told hundreds of attendees, including traditional leaders (amakhosi).
He expressed that he did not seek the role out of personal ambition but felt he was chosen by his ancestors. Daring his rivals to try the position for themselves, he stated he was unconcerned about further legal battles, saying they could proceed to the Constitutional Court if they wished.
A Call for Prayer Amid Police Tensions
Stating that the royal children (abantwana) are “lost,” the King called for prayer and unity, while also extending an offer of help. “I am praying for them to get help, if they need help, my doors are open,” he said.
The King also raised a separate incident adding to the “chaos” in the household: a July raid on the palace by a police delegation led by suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu. He expressed frustration that cellphones were confiscated and no reason or investigation update was ever provided, highlighting a sense of external disrespect compounding the internal strife.
The gathering, intended for reconciliation, ultimately revealed a monarch weary of conflict but standing firm, defending his legitimacy and appealing for an end to a feud that shows no sign of abating.
{Source: TimesLive}
