[ad_1]
For Siboniso Gardener 
3h ago
DURBAN – WHILE King Goodwill’s successor Zwelithini Kabhekuzulu remains a secret among the Amazulu royal family, a historian has touted two princes as favorites to ascend to the Zulu throne.
The king (72) who was buried in a private ceremony known as ukutshalwa at his Kwadlamahlahla Royal Palace in Kwanongoma on Wednesday at midnight left six queens, 11 princesses and more than 26 princes, among whom the next king will rise. The king’s son, Prince Lethukuthula, was assassinated at his home in Johannesburg in November.
But Zululand University historian Dr. Maxwell Shamase said that succession to the throne was not necessarily guaranteed, even if Prince Lethukuthula had lived even though he was the eldest son.
The royal family has repeatedly told the nation that the king’s successor was not yet known, not even by the family.
During Thursday’s funeral, Princess Thembi Ndlovu (nee Zulu) told mourners that “only God knows who will be the next king.”
Shamase said that although the successor was kept secret, there were two princes who had the possibility of being named king.
He said Prince Misuzulu, 47, was one of the strong contenders as his mother, Queen Mantfombi Madlamini, is a princess of the kingdom of Eswatini.
Queen Mantfombi is the daughter of King Sobhuza II and sister of King Mswati III.
“Things may have changed because we are a constitutional monarch where everyone is equal. Historically, Queen Mantfombi is a great wife. His lobola was paid for by the Zulu nation, the chiefs of various villages contributed to it.
“Prince Misuzulu, you have a good chance given your upbringing and how you were brought up. He has a degree in international studies from the United States. In an age where everything revolves around politics and modernization, he is a perfect candidate. He is of royal blood and understands the cultural practices that can strengthen the Zulu nation. His name (Misuzulu), which can be loosely translated as “strengthen the Zulus”, also says that the King may have seen something in him.
“Historically, he would have been an automatic successor to the king,” Shamase said.
Another strong contender is Prince Phumuzuzulu, named after his great-grandfather, King Phumuzuzulu kadinuzulu, son of King Cetshwayo.
He is the first child of King Zwelithini’s second wife, Queen Buhle Kamathe.
“He is the heir to the Enyokeni Palace, where the king hosted most of the historical events, such as the cane dance and other events of cultural importance.
His mother, Queen Buhle Kamathe, played a key role in reviving the reed dance with the king. His palace is known to house the king’s subjects.
“Since little information is known about him, perhaps he was raised to be the King,” Shamase said.
He said that traditionally, the successor or regent of the king would have been named after the ukutshalwa (burial) of the king.
It was still unclear yesterday when the successor would be named, and the royal family has called the debate and speculation about the next Amazulu king immature.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE
[ad_2]
