Ramaphosa defends recognition of Zulu King in SCA
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s legal representatives told the Supreme Court of Appeals that he didn’t err in recognising King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the Zulu monarch.
Ramaphosa approached the SCA to have the High Court decision, which deemed his recognition of the Zulu King as unlawful and invalid, reversed.
The President presented the certificate of recognition to the King in October 2022.
Thereafter, King Misuzulu’s older brother, Prince Simakade, approached the high court, claiming the identification process that saw his brother ascend to the throne was flawed.
On Wednesday, Ramaphosa’s lawyers argued that the decision was not his alone and that he followed due process.
“The president also had before him a letter, dated 5 August 2021. from the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal. which confirmed that the royal family had met and nominated his majesty, King Misuzulu and that there was a factional objection led by Princess Thembi and Prince Simakade,” said Advocate Marumo Moerane.
Prince Simakade’s faction wants King Misuzulu to be dethroned and allow renewed customary processes to determine the rightful heir to the throne.
The prince’s supporters believe he is the rightful King as the eldest son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.
While Ramaphosa’s lawyers argued that the opposing faction failed to demonstrate which customary process had not been rightfully followed, the appellants maintain key members of the royal family were excluded from the nomination of the new king.
The matter continues on Thursday.
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