Challenge continues as coronation nears

AS PREPARATIONS for King Misuzulu’s coronation gather pace, the opposing faction in the royal household has indicated its intention to continue challenging the process that led to President Cyril Ramaphosa recognising him as the next Zulu king.

King Misuzulu, who performed the Ukungena Esibayeni ritual last month which drew a large turnout, is set to be crowned on September 24, a day after his birthday.

However, Prince Mandlakapheli Zulu, who represents the faction that is calling for Prince Simakade Zulu to ascend to the throne, said yesterday that they were not losing sleep over the event as they were preparing to mount legal action.

“They can go ahead with that political game.

“As the royal household we know our position and remain firm on it,” said the prince.

Asked about preparations for the coronation, royal house spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu said the current focus was on the second leg of the Reed Dance scheduled for September 17.

“As you are well aware, we still have the event taking place at Enyokeni Palace and that is what we are working on at the moment and are glad to report that everything is going well.”

He said they were encouraged by the huge turnout at the reed dance at eMachobeni Palace at the weekend.

“We expected around 3 000 maidens to attend the festival, however the turnout was far higher than our expectations and this underlines the success of the festival,” he said.

Cultural expert Dr Velaphi Mkhize of the Umsamo Institute said the level of excitement about the coronation was justified, as many had not witnessed such an occasion before.

“For me Ukungena Esibayeni (entering the kraal) was the most exciting occasion because the last time it had occurred was in 1954. The significance thereof was that in so many ways it put to bed any doubts about who is the king, when you consider the rituals performed on the day,” said Mkhize.

He pointed out that the coronation had to happen in line with the modern era.

“When considering that there is now a budget allocation for the royal household and official duties that need to be performed by His Majesty, then you realise why the coronation has to be performed and why there is excitement around it,” Mkhize said.

It is expected that thousands of people will attend the coronation that is set to be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.