Durban – The protracted legal battle for the Zulu throne between Prince Simakade Zulu and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is set to resume in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), prompting Prince Simakade's faction to make a public appeal for financial assistance to support their ongoing legal challenge.
The highly anticipated SCA hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, 28 May, and Thursday, 29 May 2025, in Court A in Bloemfontein, marks a critical juncture in the succession dispute that has divided the Zulu royal family and nation for years.
Prince Simakade's spokesman, Prince Thokozani Zulu, told Daily Sun that they are optimistic the Supreme Court of Appeal will rule in their favour – like the High Court did.
The SCA case will determine the legitimacy of King Misuzulu's ascension to the throne, a position he assumed in 2021 following the death of his father, King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and his mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini, who briefly served as regent.
Disputes over the Zulu throne arose as some believed King Misuzulu was the right heir to the throne because his mother is a princess, while others believed Prince Simakade was the rightful heir as he is the late King Zwelithini's first-born.
The legal saga began in October 2022 when President Cyril Ramaphosa officially recognised King Misuzulu and issued him a certificate of recognition, a decision that Prince Simakade immediately challenged in court.
In December 2023, the North Gauteng High Court ruled in Prince Simakade's favour, with Judge Norman Davis declaring Ramaphosa's recognition of King Misuzulu as unlawful and invalid. Judge Davis also ruled that the Zulu royal family should start the nomination process as to who should ascend the throne afresh.
Ramaphosa appealed the ruling, stating that King Misuzulu would remain on the throne pending the outcome of the appeal.
Now, as the SCA prepares to hear the case, Prince Simakade's supporters are urging the public to contribute financially to their cause.
Asked how much has been spent since the court battle started, Prince Thokozani said he doesn't have figures. However, he requested the public for donations.
"Do or Die": Zulu Royal Family Members Plead for Support
Weeks before the SCA hearing, members of the Zulu royal family backing Prince Simakade's claim held a press conference in Durban to rally support and solicit donations.
Prince Mazwendoda Zulu of KwaMinyamanzi, flanked by Prince Thokozani Zulu, Prince Ndabenhle Zulu and Induna Velezweni Shandu, said the case is crucial for the survival of the Zulu nation.
“This is a do or die case for the Zulu nation as we all know that the court ruled in favour of Zondamagwala (Prince Simakade) and we are certain that will be the case again. As the royal house we are asking the nation to pray that this day (hearing) be a success because if things don’t go according to the wishes of the royal family, the existence of the Zulu monarchy would be history,” Prince Mazwendoda said.
He also pleaded for unity in the monarchy and nation as that would preserve the existence of both.
“That would peril the nation, a nation that is divided is easily infiltrated by the enemy. We are also asking for a donation from the nation,” he added.
The exact amount of money needed for the case was not made available.
Prince Thokozani said if the royal house starts afresh with the nomination process and nominates Prince Simakade, they will reconcile with King Misuzulu.
"It is highly likely that the Supreme Court of Appeal will go in favour of King Zondamagwala (Prince Simakade).
"King Zondamagwala has stated that Prince Misuzulu will be the first person to be engaged after the judgment. King Zondamagwala has also stated that there has to be a mechanism of ensuring that Prince Misuzulu's benefits are not subsequently lowered," he said.
Prince Thokozani said even if the court dethroned King Misuzulu, they would still show him respect as the late King Zwelithini's son.
Complications and Other Royal Claimants
The appeal has been further complicated by the intervention of another royal, Prince Mbonisi, who has joined the case, arguing that Ramaphosa failed to consult the royal family before recognising King Misuzulu.
Prince Mbonisi and his faction are advocating for Prince Buzabazi Zulu to ascend to the throne.
Adding another layer of complexity, Prince Simakade’s lawyers have requested the SCA to clarify who should oversee the succession process should it be restarted.
Pretoria court previously ruled process to crown the king was flawed
President Cyril Ramaphosa filed the appeal after Pretoria High Court Judge Norman Davis found that the processes he followed to identify and crown then-Prince Misuzulu as Zulu king were flawed and set them aside.
King Misuzulu is supporting the appeal.
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