Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, South Africa’s fourth largest opposition political party, arrives to address thousands of suporters at the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) elections manifesto launch at The Chatsworth Stadium, outside the city of Durban on March 10, 2019. – South Africans will go to the polls on May 8, 2019 to elect a new National Assembly and new provincial legislatures in each province. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Buthelezi disputes allegations Prince Simakade Zulu has claim to the throne
Prince Misuzulu Zulu is the ninth monarch and was announced as king on 7 May 2021.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, South Africa’s fourth largest opposition political party, arrives to address thousands of suporters at the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) elections manifesto launch at The Chatsworth Stadium, outside the city of Durban on March 10, 2019. – South Africans will go to the polls on May 8, 2019 to elect a new National Assembly and new provincial legislatures in each province. (Photo by RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP)
Prime Minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on Tuesday, 11 May 2021, addressed the media in Durban, saying he fully supports Prince Misuzulu Zulu as the successor to the throne.
Royal Family supports Prince Misuzulu Zulu
In addition, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini’s other son – Prince Simakade Zulu – also rubbished claims that he’s opposing the appointment of Prince Misuzulu Zulu as the new King.
Buthelezi read a statement written by Prince Simakade to welcome the reign of the new Zulu monarch and said the family supports whoever would have been announced as the heir:
“It should be clear now that there is no dispute at present over the throne. While Prince Simakade was posed in the media as a contender to the throne, he, like all of us, welcomes the reign of his majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini.”
Loyalty to the named heir
He said the family will declare loyalty to the named heir and said he would never defy the announcement. “I can never defy whatever my elders tell me to do”, Buthelezi explains.
“Once an announcement of any name has been announced as a successor to the throne, we as the children of the late King must support whoever that person is. As long as it comes from the late King or the Royal family”.
He asked all media house to “refrain from phoning him about this matter”. He also referred to “so-called experts in the media” twisting the facts, saying it’s important to hear it directly from him.
Watch: Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s address
Minister Buthelezi also added that the public will not be allowed to dictate the affairs of the Royal family and explained that Prince Misuzulu Zulu would not be compelled to marry about taking the throne.
“The present speculation that his majesty is compelled to marry before he’s installed suggests that our present government is mimicking what the apartheid regime imposed on our people. […] This is an inflammatory accusation that can cause deep distress. I’m not saying the king will not marry, it may be possible”.
Buthelezi’s address follows after Prince Misuzulu Zulu – the eldest son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini – was announced as heir to the throne as per the will of the late regent, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu kaSobhuza II.
Prince Misuzulu Zulu is the ninth monarch and was announced as king on 7 May 2021.
