Thousands of Zulus, dressed in animal skins, danced war dances, welcoming the new king.
Wearing a traditional costume with black feathers, the new Zulu king was enthroned in South Africa on Saturday. Crowds had gathered to cheer the 47-year-old Missoulu, who succeeds his father Goodwill Zuellitini who died last year after 50 years on the throne.
My King 👑#InkosiEsibayeni #kingmisuzulu pic.twitter.com/Ior3AyKXmP
— MrsM – Shella Stan (@ZuluPrincesHRH) August 20, 2022
The Zulu king may not have executive power, but he wields a powerful influence over the more than 11 million members of South Africa’s largest ethnic group.
Zulu King Misuzulu appearing in front of the royal family, amabutho, maidens & public for the first time after performing rituals of entering the kraal at KwaKhangelamankengana, Nongoma. #KingMisuZuluKaZwelithini #ZuluRoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/zIY2a4gWCM
— Teboho Letsie (@Letsie5Letsie) August 20, 2022
Zola Zelusiwe Mafu is the only Queen of the late King Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu who attended today’s ceremony, seeing King Misuzulu mentioning that, it’s really sad because his family casts him out #KingMisuZuluKaZwelithini #Misuzulu #InkosiEsibayeni pic.twitter.com/mP94GKforG
— Simtho Biyela 🌐 (@SimthoBiyela) August 20, 2022
Faithfully following the ritual, Misuzulu killed a lion a few days before the coronation ceremony.
Thousands of Zulus, dressed in animal skins, danced war dances, welcoming the new king. Poets glorified Zulu history, while girls danced topless. Dozens of cows were slaughtered for the many guests, including delegations of tribes from neighboring countries who brought gifts to the new Zulu leader.
This video still gives me chills down my spine 🥺♥️. Amabutho with the Late King Zwelithini kaBhekuZulu #Nongoma #Amabutho #Misuzulu #AmaZuluroyalfamily #InkosiEsibayeni pic.twitter.com/iQSxD3A0Zz
— Mam’Yangchaza 👑 (@MaZuluOmuhlez) August 20, 2022
Not being able to attend his nephew, Misizulu kaZwelithini’s crowning ceremony as Zulu king, Eswatini King, Mswati III has sent a sizable delegation to represent him. #Misuzulu @News24 @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/usLptda15w
— Junior Khumalo (@JKwritingz) August 20, 2022
“It’s a big day when our king officially ascends the throne,” 59-year-old Themba Fakazi, one of the warriors tasked with protecting the Zulu king, told AFP.
The estimated 11 million Zulus – nearly one in five South Africans – are descendants of Saka, a charismatic leader and military genius who made history in the struggle against the British Empire.
A new chapter is beginning for the Zulu nation, the new king said. “I promise I will work to bring it together,” he said to the crowd.
WATCH: Zulu regiments take turns in walking into the front of the main house at KwaKhangalemankengane palace in Nongoma to pay their homage to King Misuzulu KaZwelithini and move out to take their places of abode. Saturday has been dubbed the big day. @IOL pic.twitter.com/AbRidgoHPB
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) August 19, 2022
For more than a year, the succession dispute had been rife. The late king’s first wife and her clan are contesting the legitimacy of the coronation of Misuzulu, who was born to Goodwill Zuelitini’s third wife.
The 47-year-old king, who already has two wives and four children, has the role of guarantor of peace in his kingdom. His father received about 75,000 euros a year for personal use and had a budget of 4.2 million euros to run the kingdom, according to government sources.
The Zulu leader has under his control an area of almost 30,000 square kilometers — about the size of Belgium — from which he can collect rents.
After the traditional ceremony, the new Zulu king is due to be formally recognized by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the coming months.
RES-EMP
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