DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – His Majesty the King has called for peace and unity to prevail among the Zulu nation.
Speaking at the coronation of King Misuzulu held at the Moses Mabhida stadium yesterday, the king said the event erased any doubt about the rightful heir to the Zulu Throne.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over the certificate of recognition to King Misuzulu of kaZwelithini in front of thousands of witnesses present and affirmed: “this is the one and only king of the amaZulu.”
His Majesty said those who had harbored aspirations to the position, should now put them aside and join hands in supporting the new king in carrying out the heavy task that lies before him.
“Here is your King, Misuzulu kaZwelithini. We urge the Zulu people to accept him, support him, consult him and work together to pursue the best interests of the people of this country,” he urged.
In his congratulatory speech, the king said by installing the Zulu king, God was working towards wiping away the people’s tears.
“It has been a long process that started within the royal family structures but we are happy that it has reached the final stage. Installation of a king should mark the end of suffering of amaZulu as you now have a father. He is King for all and you are his children. We urge you to work with him and consult him regularly.”
The king noted how the King Misuzulu assumes the position at a difficult time for the people of KwaZulu Natal.
He said while they were all grappling with the negative impacts of COVID-19, they experienced flooding which caused the loss of many lives and displaced hundreds of people.
“We hope and trust that you will all work together to overcome these challenges because the King cannot solve these problems alone,” said the king.
His Majesty, who was accompanied by Inkhosikati LaMshwama to the ceremony, said the Eswatini delegation was happy to be among the Zulu nation on this historic day, which serves as rare experience for many to witness how a king is officially installed.
The king said the installation of a king comes after many years, sometimes after 70-80 years before another ascends to the Throne, and those present would now be able to share with future generations.
King Mswati III recognized the difficult period that the Zulu people had to endure following the loss of King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi shortly thereafter.
He recalled how the union between the late king and queen mother had continued to strengthen the bond between the two nations.
“In days gone by our kings used to exchange visits from way back during the reigns of King Sobhuza I and King Shaka. When I was installed in 1986, King of the Zulu was there to bless the ceremony, just as I am here to bless King Misuzulu here today,” he said.
His Majesty called continued cooperation between the monarch all structures of government at national and provincial levels.
The king further praised the preparations for the event, which he described as befitting a king.
Shortly after the king’s address, praise singer Khethabahle took to the microphone to bellow the king’s praises. Prior to the king’s congratulatory speech, libutfo and Lutsango were called to the front of the stadium.
His Majesty and Inkhosikati LaMashwama sat alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with whom they interacted often. Also present were former presidents Jacob Zuma, Thabo Mbeki (South Africa), Ian Khama of Botswana and billionaire Patrice Motsepe.
The guest list included Lesotho Prince Seeiso who was representing King Letsie III, Monaco’s’ Princess Charlene, politicians and party leaders, leaders of various tribes in the country known as Amakhosi, among many others.
King Misuzulu was anointed with holy oil by members of the clergy and he later signed the certificate of recognition.
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