Appeal Court Upholds the Identity of King Misuzulu, Dismissing Rival Claims to the Throne.

Bloemfontein — Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decisively upheld Prince Misuzulu ka Zwelithini legitimacy as Zulu monarch on Monday, quashing legal challenges to his 2022 recognition and ending a four-year succession dispute rooted in customary law and statutory compliance

This ruling came after appeals from the President of South Africa and the Minister of Cooperative Governance, who sought to challenge lower court decisions that questioned the legitimacy of the king identification and the President recognition of his status.

The case stemmed from a series of disputes following the death of King Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu in March 2021, wherein rival factions emerged.

Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu, the late king’s widow, nominated Prince Misuzulu as her successor before passing away shortly after.

However, these decisions were contested by members of the royal family, notably Prince Mbonisi and Prince Simakade, who argued that the identification process did not comply with customary practices.

The SCA’s decision overturned previous findings by the Gauteng Division of the High Court, which had found the recognition of Prince Misuzulu unlawful and directed further investigations into the identification process.

The court ruled that there was no valid basis for disputing the identification made by the Zulu Royal Family on May 14, 2021, affirming that it had been conducted in accordance with established customary law principles.

In its judgment, the court emphasised the importance of respecting traditional leadership structures and the need for compliance with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019.

The ruling not only reinstates Prince Misuzulu’s status as king but also sets a precedent for how traditional leadership disputes may be adjudicated in the future.

By reinforcing the authority of customary law in such matters, the decision aims to stabilise leadership within the Zulu Nation.

This ruling resonates beyond the royal family; it highlights South Africa broader commitment to reconciling customary practices with contemporary governance frameworks.

As the country continues to navigate its rich cultural heritage alongside modern legal principles, this case serves as a landmark example of how traditional laws are integrated into South Africa’s constitutional democracy.