The Zulu throne, the symbol of the largest ethnic group in South Africa, has been contested by several members of the royal family since the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini in March 2021. One of the claimants is Prince Simakade, the first-born son of the late king from his fourth wife, Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza. He says he is the rightful heir to the throne, and he has taken his case to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
Prince Simakade’s main argument is that he was chosen by his father before his death and that he has the support of most of the royal family. He also claims that he has a letter from his father that confirms his nomination as the successor. He says that his father wanted him to be the king because he was born on a special day, 4 December 1986, which coincided with the anniversary of King Shaka’s coronation.
Prince Simakade also challenges the validity of the wills of his father and his stepmother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, who was appointed as the regent until a new king was chosen. He accuses his half-brother, Prince Misuzulu, who was named as the heir by Queen Mantfombi, of being illegitimate and of forging his parents’ wills. He says that Prince Misuzulu was born out of wedlock and that he does not have a royal bloodline from both parents.
Prince Simakade also disputes the recognition of Prince Misuzulu as the king by President Cyril Ramaphosa and some government officials. He says that this was done without consulting the royal family and that it violated the Zulu customary law and the Constitution. He argues that only the royal family can decide who is the king and that the president has no authority to interfere in their affairs.
Prince Simakade also questions the role of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who was the prime minister of the Zulu nation and a senior member of the royal family until his death in September 2021. He says that Prince Buthelezi had no right to chair the royal family meetings and that he manipulated and influenced the succession process in favor of Prince Misuzulu. He says that Prince Buthelezi did not allow anyone to speak or object at the meeting on 14 May 2021, where Prince Misuzulu was announced as the king.
Prince Simakade says that he is not motivated by greed or power, but by justice and respect for his father’s wishes. He says that he wants to restore peace and unity in the Zulu nation and to uphold its culture and traditions. He says that he is confident that he will win his case and that he will be crowned as the king.
