Contestation for the Zulu throne is set to intensify

In March this year President Cyril Ramaphosa legally recognised Prince Misuzulu ka Zwelithini as the king-elect of the Zulu people, following the death last year of long-reigning King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu. But subsequent events around the Zulu royal household suggest that the president’s decision does not enjoy universal support. The Zulu royal household this week condemned an alleged planned entering of the cattle kraal (ukungena esibayeni) ceremony by Prince Simakade Zulu kaZwelithini set for this Saturday. The ceremony is reportedly taking place just days before the same ceremony will be held for Prince Misuzulu kaZwelithini.Simakade is the late King Goodwill Zwelithini's first son, born out of wedlock. He was allocated a home within Zwelithini's palaces. However, Zulu prime minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the event is illegal and a “foolish provocation”. To talk about the rift, as well as the position of traditional authorities in a democratic dispensation, our host Mike Siluma is joined by lecturer in Public Policy and Political Science at UKZN Dr Fikile Vilakazi, and political correspondent for the Sunday Times Zimasa Matiwane.