SCA confirms Misuzulu as true Zulu king

Zulu

Cape Town – The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has ruled in favour of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and President Cyril Ramaphosa, confirming that the king’s recognition was lawful and that the president acted within his powers.

According to the judgment delivered by Justice Dumisani Zondi, the SCA found that the objections raised by Princes Mbonisi and Simakade Zulu were “not sufficient to trigger a mandatory investigation” under Section 8 of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.

The court said the allegations made by the opposing princes lacked “facts necessary to sustain the conclusion that customary law was not followed” when Misuzulu was identified as king in 2021.

The ruling overturns a 2023 Pretoria High Court judgment that had declared President Ramaphosa’s recognition of King Misuzulu unlawful and ordered that a new probe be conducted into his nomination.

According to Eyewitness News, the SCA’s unanimous decision effectively reinstates Ramaphosa’s certificate of recognition and brings an end to a three-year legal battle over the Zulu crown.

As stated by Ramaphosa’s legal counsel, Advocate Morumo Moerane SC, “The president did not appoint the king — he merely recognised the identification made by the royal family in accordance with Zulu custom.” Moerane argued that the royal family’s May 2021 meeting “was legitimate and consistent with customary law.”

As reported by IOL, the royal house welcomed the outcome, calling for peace and unity among all Zulu royal family members.

“This ruling confirms what we have always maintained — that His Majesty King Misuzulu is the rightful heir to the throne,” said royal spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu. He added that “it is time for all to return to the kraal and work for the unity of the nation.”

The SCA also ordered Princes Mbonisi and Simakade to pay the legal costs of the appeal.

Article written by