Africa-Press – Eswatini. Following South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruling affirming King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the rightful King of the AmaZulu Nation, the Private Office of His Majesty has called for unity, healing, and reconciliation across the royal household and the broader Zulu Nation.
According to various South African media houses, the Supreme Court’s judgment, delivered on 6 October 2025, confirmed that King Misuzulu’s recognition by President Cyril Ramaphosa was lawful and that his identification as King had followed Zulu customary law and tradition.
In a statement issued on the same day by Prince Thulani Zulu, spokesperson for the Zulu Royal Household, the Office said the ruling brings long-overdue clarity and closure to the royal succession dispute, reaffirming the Royal Family’s decision of 14 May 2021 and the President’s recognition of His Majesty under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019.
“This judgment restores dignity, stability and continuity to the Zulu Monarchy and the Nation as a whole,” said Prince Thulani Zulu.
A Call to Rebuild and Reconcile
While the legal process has reached its conclusion, the King’s Office emphasized that this moment is not for celebration, but for rebuilding trust and fostering reconciliation within the royal family.
“His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini calls upon all members of the Royal Family to embrace unity, reconciliation, and healing,” the statement read.
“The King wishes this moment to serve as a turning point towards renewed strength, solidarity, and peace.”
The Office reaffirmed His Majesty’s dedication to serve with humility and purpose, guided by the sacred duty of the throne.
Chronology of Events: From Tragedy to Triumph
The path to this affirmation has been marked by both grief and perseverance, according to reports from various media houses from South Africa and other countries, including Eswatini:
March 12, 2021: King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu passes away after nearly 50 years on the throne.
March 24, 2021: Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, the King’s Great Wife and sister to His Majesty King Mswati III, is appointed Regent.
April 29, 2021: Queen Mantfombi passes away suddenly, deepening uncertainty within the royal household.
May 14, 2021: Senior members of the Zulu Royal Family convene and officially identify Prince Misuzulu kaZwelithini as successor to the throne.
August 20, 2022: King Misuzulu’s traditional coronation is held at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma.
October 29, 2022: President Cyril Ramaphosa formally presents His Majesty with the Certificate of Recognition at a historic ceremony at Moses Mabhida Stadium, attended by King Mswati III, among many other notable figures from South Africa and other countries.
Despite these developments, it was reported by various South African media houses that Princes Mbonisi and Simakade Zulu challenged the recognition, arguing that the May 2021 meeting had not followed proper customary procedures.
In December 2023, Judge Norman Davis of the Pretoria High Court ruled that the recognition was unlawful and ordered the President to appoint a committee to verify whether the Zulu customs had been correctly followed.
Both King Misuzulu and President Ramaphosa, through their legal representatives, appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court of Appeal, maintaining that all protocols were correctly observed and that the Royal Family had validly identified the King.
On 6 October 2025, Judge Dumisani Zondi, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, overturned the High Court’s decision. He ruled that the allegations raised by the King’s challengers were insufficient to justify an investigation.
“The question is whether the allegations that were raised by King Misuzulu’s detractors — that his identification was not in accordance with Zulu customary law and traditions — constituted a sufficient basis for the President to cause those allegations to be investigated,” Judge Zondi stated.
He concluded that the High Court had erred in referring the matter to a committee, thereby affirming that King Misuzulu’s identification and recognition were valid and lawful.
Gratitude and Acknowledgement
The Private Office expressed profound gratitude to those who supported His Majesty throughout the lengthy succession process — including his legal representatives, traditional advisors, the Zulu Kingdom Executive, the Presidency, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the loyal people of the Zulu Nation.
“Their unwavering support upheld the dignity and integrity of the monarchy during a period marked by uncertainty and division,” the Office noted.
The Road Ahead for the Zulu Nation
With the matter now settled beyond dispute, King Misuzulu and his administration have pledged to focus on strengthening traditional governance, empowering communities, and preserving the cultural identity of the Zulu Nation.
The Royal Family has extended an olive branch to dissenting members, urging them to “return to the kraal” and take part in building the future of the Kingdom under His Majesty’s leadership.
“The Family appeals to the media and the public to allow this period to be one of reflection, respect, and unity as the Royal Household continues its service to the Zulu Nation and the people of South Africa,” the statement concluded.
As the dawn breaks on a new chapter for the Zulu Kingdom, His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini remains steadfast in his commitment to lead with wisdom, humility, and devotion to the welfare of his people.
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