Ramaphosa to appeal ruling that invalidates his decision on Zulu king
Misuzulu remains the recognised king while court processes are under way, says presidency
13 December 2023 - 18:13
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in Durban in October 2022. Picture: DARREN STEWART
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has confirmed he will challenge the Pretoria high court ruling that set aside his recognition and crowning of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as king of the Zulu nation.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Wednesday that Ramaphosa noted the judgment. “After a study of the judgment, the president will apply for leave to appeal. During the course of these legal processes Misuzulu remains the identified heir to the throne,” he said.
The court ordered that Ramaphosa institute an investigative committee to probe allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of Misuzulu, said Magwenya.
“President Ramaphosa calls on members of the royal family to continue working for the unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu and to prioritise the interest of his majesty’s subjects. It is vital that due processes are allowed to reach their natural conclusion without inflaming tensions.”
Ramaphosa said on Tuesday: “We will study the judgment to see what is the way forward. As far as I am concerned, there is no real calamity. Also, in the way that the judgment has come across, it is a matter we are going to discuss and find solutions for and it should lead to no crisis.”
This is a “straightforward” matter that can be resolved, he added.
Monday’s ruling came after the royal family approached the courts to determine the rightful heir, as Misuzulu’s brother Prince Simakade Zulu claimed he is entitled to the throne. However, the king’s uncle, Prince Mbonisi Zulu, believes the family should reconvene to identify an heir.
Judge Norman Davis handed down his reserved judgment on Monday in which he stated Misuzulu’s recognition contained in the Government Gazette of March 17 2022 should be set aside.
In a legal blow to Ramaphosa, Davis ordered the president to act in accordance with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act to appoint an investigative committee.
Ramaphosa was also ordered to pay the legal costs of the applicants, including their two counsel.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Ramaphosa to appeal ruling that invalidates his decision on Zulu king
Misuzulu remains the recognised king while court processes are under way, says presidency
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has confirmed he will challenge the Pretoria high court ruling that set aside his recognition and crowning of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as king of the Zulu nation.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Wednesday that Ramaphosa noted the judgment. “After a study of the judgment, the president will apply for leave to appeal. During the course of these legal processes Misuzulu remains the identified heir to the throne,” he said.
The court ordered that Ramaphosa institute an investigative committee to probe allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of Misuzulu, said Magwenya.
“President Ramaphosa calls on members of the royal family to continue working for the unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu and to prioritise the interest of his majesty’s subjects. It is vital that due processes are allowed to reach their natural conclusion without inflaming tensions.”
Ramaphosa said on Tuesday: “We will study the judgment to see what is the way forward. As far as I am concerned, there is no real calamity. Also, in the way that the judgment has come across, it is a matter we are going to discuss and find solutions for and it should lead to no crisis.”
This is a “straightforward” matter that can be resolved, he added.
Monday’s ruling came after the royal family approached the courts to determine the rightful heir, as Misuzulu’s brother Prince Simakade Zulu claimed he is entitled to the throne. However, the king’s uncle, Prince Mbonisi Zulu, believes the family should reconvene to identify an heir.
Judge Norman Davis handed down his reserved judgment on Monday in which he stated Misuzulu’s recognition contained in the Government Gazette of March 17 2022 should be set aside.
In a legal blow to Ramaphosa, Davis ordered the president to act in accordance with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act to appoint an investigative committee.
Ramaphosa was also ordered to pay the legal costs of the applicants, including their two counsel.
TimesLIVE
Presidency studies ruling that crowning of Zulu king was invalid
Court sets aside recognition of Misuzulu as Zulu king
KZN seeks further R20m for king’s legal battles
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.