The Zulu nation of South Africa will organize the celebration of the new king

KWANONGOMA, South Africa (AP) — The ethnic Zulu nation of South Africa is preparing to host a coronation event for its new traditional king amid internal divisions that have threatened to tear the royal family apart.

King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year, will undergo the traditional ritual known as ukungena esibayeni (entering the royal village) on Saturday to mark his inauguration as the new leader of the zulu nation.

The Zulu ethnic group is the largest in South Africa with more than 12 million people who are mainly found in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Zulu nation is historically recognized to have waged fierce resistance to British colonialism under King Shaka Zulu from 1816 to 1828.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by thousands of Zulu, including members of the royal family, traditional leaders of other ethnic groups and members of the Zulu nation.

It will continue despite challenges from some members of the royal family who insist that Misuzulu is not the rightful heir to the throne.

Misuzulu is Zwelithini’s eldest son by his third wife, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, who is said to enjoy elevated status among his six wives, having been born into the royal house of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), the last remaining absolute. monarchy in Africa.

Queen Dlamini-Zulu held the title of regent of the Zulu nation after her husband’s death, but died about a month later, naming her eldest son Misuzulu as his successor in her will.

However, some members of the royal family oppose Misuzulu as successor, recognizing his older brother Simagade Zulu ka Zwelithini as the rightful heir.

Last weekend, the rival family faction held the ukungena esibayeni ceremony for Simagade even though it was not recognized by the rest of the royal family elders who support Misuzulu as the rightful king.

To further confuse the situation, Zwelithini’s three brothers held a press conference in Johannesburg on Thursday where they announced another of their brothers, Buzabazi kaZwelithini, as their preferred heir to the throne.

The late king reportedly fathered 28 children with his six wives.

The South African government recognizes Misuzulu as the rightful heir to the throne and is ready to award him a certificate of recognition at a date yet to be determined.

The position of king of the Zulu nation is influential in the province of KwaZulu-Natal as a custodian of the traditional customs of the ethnic group.

The king also exercises control over vast tracts of land, estimated at 30% of KwaZulu-Natal or 10,810 square miles, through the Ingonyama Trust, of which he is the sole trustee.

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