King Misuzulu kaZwelithini said he is ready to fight for his throne until he dies.
He shared this vow during the installation of Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, the traditional leader of the Buthelezi clan and minister of public service and administration in the government of national unity, on Friday.
“I’m glad for you, Shenge (Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi), that you took the throne without any family objections. I have been fighting for my throne since I took over.
“I have accepted that I will go to the grave fighting for it. Many traditional leaders face similar struggles,” said the king.
The ceremony strengthened his relationship with the Buthelezi family.
He thanked the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi for his support, saying that without him, he would not be on the throne. The nation might have had to accept another, unknown leader if not for Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
King Misuzulu also credited Buthelezi for helping arrange the marriage of his mother, the late Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza, to the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
The king said that Inkosi Buthelezi was supposed to be installed by the late King Zwelithini, who had performed rituals for him.
Inkosi Buthelezi mentioned that he had waited 20 years to be officially installed.
“This has been a difficult journey. I thank the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi for fighting for me to be officially installed. I was supposed to be installed in 2020, but the Covid-19 outbreak delayed it,” said Buthelezi.
He told traditional leaders to fight for their rights and serve their people. He also called on the government to respect traditional leaders.
The Buthelezi clan has three houses – eMbongombongweni, eMcakweni, and kwaPhindangene – and the event was full of joy, singing, and celebrations among the clan members. Many politicians attended the ceremony, making it one of the biggest events in KZN over the weekend.
This is the second traditional leader installed by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, following the installation of the leader of the Amazizi clan in Bergville. Inkosi Buthelezi has one wife, Annie Sambo-Buthelezi.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu during the installation of Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi.
