Handing over the certificate does not amount to king’s coronation
CLEARLY, the sun has really come out for the AmaZulu nation. These are the words of many people who were jubilant during the coronation of King Misuzulu in August.
This sentiment was not shared only by South Africans, but on the continent, too.
However, it is important to note that for history to not judge us harshly, we must speak truth without fear or favour.
I say this because there must be a clear distinction between the statements ‘handing over the certificate’ and ‘coronation of the king’.
Is it traditionally correct to say Saturday’s event is the king’s coronation?
Many people are aware that the coronation took place on 20 August at Kwakhangela Mankengane Royal Palace, but are we aware that people are distorting history?
We need to respect that whatever we speak, we are accountable to the present and future youth, and we must ask ourselves if the information we share speaks truth to historical events.
I think it is reckless for some
people to say the king will be coronated. A king can never be coronated twice.
The late King Zwelithini was coronated through Western culture. His late majesty was not fortunate to enjoy a Zulu-style coronation.
King Misuzulu’s was a Zulu-style coronation, and Saturday’s event is only the handing over of the certificate.
This means national government recognises his Majesty’s kingship, and they are going to support and work with him.
The way the Constitution is drafted, it gives power to national government and responsibility to recognise legitimate kingships. Not that they coronate the king.
As African people, we have let ourselves down many times. I don’t dispute that culture evolves and can be infused with modernity, however, we have to ask ourselves to what extent are we going to do this?
Is it correct that the media is allowed, up to this point, to keep saying ‘29 October is the king’s coronation’?
This is how culture and tradition are manipulated.
I still say history will judge us harshly if we continue unabated with such utterances. Let us not distort history for the sake of being inclusive.