Zulu king not compelled to be married in order to perform duties

NEWLY-appointed Zulu king, Misuzulu kaZwelithini is not compelled to marry before ascending the throne.

This was revealed by Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu monarch and nation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Tuesday.

‘There is nothing preventing him from ascending to the throne or issuing royal decrees because he is not married,’ Buthelezi said.

He explained that the founder of the Zulu monarchy, King Shaka kaSenzangakhona was himself, unmarried and celibate by choice.

‘Likewise, King Dingane was celibate by choice, yet he gave orders and declared wars.'

Buthelezi said it was only the apartheid regime that insisted amaKhosi and kings must marry before taking their positions.

‘In my case, for instance, they sought to do everything possible to prevent me from taking my position as Inkosi of the Buthelezi clan because I was a member of the ANC.

‘They posed one obstacle after the next, even insisting I get married.

‘The present speculation that His Majesty will be compelled to marry before he is installed, suggests that our present government wishes to mimic what the apartheid regime imposed on our people. This can cause deep distress.

‘I am also not saying the king will not get married before he takes to the throne,’ said Buthelezi.

He added that public speculation about Prince Simakade Zulu contesting the throne was not true.

‘Prince Zulu asked me to read a statement on his behalf, in which he clarifies his

position and that he has no intention of contesting the throne. He is giving his full support and loyalty to His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini,’ Buthelezi said.

Cultural expert and deputy dean of teaching and learning at Unizulu's Faculty of Arts, Dr Maxwell Shamase agreed with Prince Buthelezi’s sentiment and said it was not a Zulu custom or culture that the king can only be installed after getting married.

‘In fact, the king is installed on the burial

day of his father. After the death of King Senzangakhona, Sgujana was appointed as king and within 24 hours, King Shaka took over the throne. Both were unmarried.

‘King Dinuzulu took the reign at the age of 16, and he was not married. Even King Cetshwayo took over the throne unmarried. ‘This notion that a king has to be married before taking the throne is not an African custom, but a Western one,’ Shamase said.