Legal Battle For The Zulu Throne: Misrepresentation And Flawed Processes
The legal team of Prince Simakade has presented their case before the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, highlighting the misrepresentation and flawed processes that took place during the meeting that led to the nomination of Prince Misuzulu as the King of the Zulu nation on May 14, 2021.
Prince Simakade’s lawyer, Allan Dobson SC, submitted the attendance register to Judge Norman Davis, revealing that some individuals falsely claimed to be members of the Zulu royal family during the meeting.
Dobson’s arguments followed those of advocate Thabani Masuku SC, who is representing Prince Mbonisi in the case. Prince Mbonisi is advocating for the throne to be passed on to Prince Buzabazi.
The legal team of Prince Simakade asserts that the processes followed to appoint King Misuzulu were flawed and are requesting the court to set aside the recognition. They argue that even President Cyril Ramaphosa did not adequately consider the matter before issuing the recognition certificate, as he disregarded letters from the late Princess Thembi, who raised concerns about the procedures.
Prince Simakade claims to be the rightful heir to the throne, being the firstborn son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and traditionally adopted by the late Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, the great wife of the late King.
However, Dobson clarified that they are not seeking a declaration from the court to appoint Prince Simakade as the king. Instead, they request that the court ensure the correct decision-making processes are followed to determine the rightful successor.
Dobson acknowledged the complexity of determining the true members of the Zulu royal family but emphasized that the legitimate members are those descended from the last five kings of the Zulu nation: King Goodwill Zwelithini, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu, King Solomon, King Dinuzulu, and King Cetshwayo.
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He clarified that individuals who are siblings to King Cetshwayo or King Mpande are not considered part of the real royal family and should not participate in decision-making meetings.
Specifically, Dobson pointed out that individuals from the Egazini royal house, claiming ancestry to King Ndaba, had no right to participate in the contested meeting. He also highlighted the misrepresentation of Princess Phumzile Buthelezi, who was recorded as coming from KwaKhangela Palace when she is actually from KwaPhindangene.
Furthermore, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi misrepresented his lineage by claiming to be from the royal lineage of King Solomon, while he is actually from the lineage of King Dinuzulu. Dobson also mentioned that Prince Mthokozisi Mahlobo was incorrectly identified as being from Kwakhangela.
The case will continue with Prince Simakade’s lawyers concluding their arguments, after which King Misuzulu’s legal team will present their defence.
