King Misulu announced over the weekend that he had appointed former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Youth Brigade leader and Zululand Municipality Mayor Thulasizwe Buthelezi as Zulu Prime Minister. He nominated Inkosi Fatisizwe Chiliza, a prominent traditional leader and former president of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders, as his vice-president.
The position of Prime Minister was held by the founder of IFP. Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi (No relation to Thulasizwe Buthelezi) Passed away in September. This position is particularly influential in KZN, as the Prime Minister advises the King and acts as a liaison between the government, the King and traditional leaders.
Minutes of the coronation ceremony of Misulu Zulu King held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 29 October 2022 (Photo: Phumlani Thabete)
Members of the Zulu royal family opposed to Mr Miszulu's ascension to the throne cited ongoing court disputes over the coronation ceremony as one reason for their opposition, and have moved to the Pietermaritzburg High Court to challenge the recent appointment. He said he intended to go to court.
Read more at Daily Maverick: Zulu race for throne reignites after recognition of King Miszulu Kazwelithini is ruled illegal
The debate over who is the rightful king of AmaZulu has intensified following the death of former king Goodwill Zwelithini Kabekzulu, who ruled from 1968 until his death on March 12, 2021.
leave to appeal
On 25 January, Judge Norman Davis issued an order giving President Cyril Ramaphosa permission to appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) against the 11 December judgment ordering the recognition of Mr Misulu. . declared illegal and invalid.
Zulu Prince Simakade took Miszulu and Ramaphosa to the Gauteng Division of the Pretoria High Court, claiming that the process that led to Miszulu's coronation was neither in accordance with traditional Khoisan leadership laws nor Zulu customs.
He said Ramaphosa's recognition of King Misulu should be declared null and void and the process of nominating and coronating a Zulu king should begin anew.
Justice Davis ruled in favor of Shimakade in a December judgment, finding that Ramaphosa had rushed to approve Mistle without ensuring that all procedures regarding the identification and selection of the king were followed. did.
In the ruling, President Ramaphosa was ordered to appoint a team of experts on traditional issues to assist in the selection of a new king.
In his judgment last week, Mr Justice Davis not only allowed Mr Ramaphosa's appeal to the SCA, but also granted permission to cross-appeal against the order against the late Mr Zwelithini's brother Prince Mbonisi and his son Simakade.
Meanwhile, Miszur is still formally the king, continues to fulfill that role, and continues to receive government funding.
Read more at Daily Maverick: Royal battle over successor to Zulu kingdom takes new legal twist
Mr Misulu presided over the weekend at a commemoration ceremony for the Battle of Isandlwana, fought between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom on January 22, 1879.
The battle was part of the Anglo-Zulu War, which lasted from January to July 1879. The Zulu army, led by King Tetshwayo Kampande, won a decisive victory over the powerful British army, which had to be rearmed and resupplied before then. In successive battles they eventually defeated and conquered the Zulu army.
Zulu King Miszulu Kazweritini. (Photo: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP)
Mr Misulu will also chair the KZN Parliament when it opens in February. Mr Miszulu declared in his public appearance that he would remain Zulu King until his death, despite challenges from “those in court”.
“Waste of tax money”
said Prince Thokozani Zulu, Shimakade's official spokesperson. daily maverick They will challenge the appointment of the prime minister and deputy prime minister to remove Misr from the throne.
He said Judge Davis' decision to grant a stay of appeal further vindicated their case.
“[Simakade] He feels vindicated by Judge Davis' latest order. [leave] I will file a counter-objection against his order. As such, it represents a victory not only for the Zulu royal family and the Zulu nation, but for all other kingdoms in South Africa that are suffering from presidential partisan conflict over similar issues.
“Again, this judgment shows that the President has no case against him.” He is simply abusing taxpayers’ money when resources could be put into the pool,” Thokozani said.
He added: “This judgment obscures the president's motives for running for the ANC election and what people say is a time-buying tactic to strike a business deal between the president and Prince Miszulu.'' “It once again reveals the cover that exists and abuses the power of the state,” he says, adding to the division, chaos and instability that he promotes. ”
daily maverick The president could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
Mr Sokozani said if the court found Mr Misulu's findings invalid, there was a risk that any decisions or actions taken by the new prime minister and his representatives would be declared invalid.
King welcomes appeal
Mr Misulu's spokesperson, Prince Africa Zulu, said the appointment of a Zulu prime minister would pass legal summons and scrutiny.
He said: “The Monarch of the Zulu Nation extends his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency the President of the Republic, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, on the momentous achievement of obtaining permission to appeal against the High Court’s order dated 11 December 2023. ” he said.
“His Majesty commends President Ramaphosa for the unwavering dedication and commitment he has shown in the pursuit of justice and the rule of law. He also commends President Ramaphosa for the unwavering dedication and commitment he has shown in pursuing justice and the rule of law. He also commends President Ramaphosa for securing this important milestone in his pursuit of fair and just legal processes. The diligence and legal skill shown by His Excellency in doing so is also commendable.
“This achievement speaks well to the resilience and robustness of the Republic’s legal system. It reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that all citizens are afforded a fair and impartial hearing.” doing.
“The Crown and the entire Zulu Nation wholeheartedly support this process and we steadfastly pray that our highest Court of Appeal will rule with the utmost zeal and ensure a fair and impartial review of the matter at hand.” Long live justice, democracy and Zulu unity. ” DM
