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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized Misuru Ka Zwelitini as the country’s new Zulu King at the Moses Mabushida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Saturday.Photo courtesy of the South African Presidential Palace/Twitter
October 29 (UPI) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially recognized Misuru Ka Zwelitini as the country’s new Zulu king in a grand ceremony in Durban on Saturday.
tens of thousands gather The coronation of the 48-year-old new ruler, the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy, was celebrated at a football stadium in the city.
“143 years ago, on the Isandwana Plain, KwaZulu-Natal, the Amazulu fought an epic battle to defend their land and freedom,” Ramaphosa said. “This is history that the people of this province and our entire continent can be proud of.
“Today we are here to witness a new era in the history of Amazulu. As President of the Republic, I am here to hand over the certificate of recognition to His Majesty King Misuru Kazvelitini,” he declared, adding, “We pray His Majesty’s reign will be a long and glorious one.”
The coronation, the first in more than 50 years in South Africa, comes after a year of bitter disputes over the royal succession had spilled over into the courts.
In March 2021, Misuru’s father, Goodwill Zwelithini, died of diabetes-related illness. He left behind six wives and at least 28 children.
While the king does not have any official executive powers, the monarch wields enormous moral sway over the more than 11 million Zulu people—nearly one-fifth of South Africa’s population, according to the Guardian.
Importance of Saturday ceremony lies in size of Zulu nation, cultural expert Sihawukele Ngubane Tell South African Independence Online.
“But what attracts many people is the size of the Zulu people. Even Issi Zulu is used as a first language by many people. The Zulu people go back to the 15th century,” Ngubane said.
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