YOUNG AND old came in large numbers to experience the coronation of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) this past Saturday.
Queens, Kings from other African Kingdoms, Chiefs, international guests, government officials and hordes of locals gathered to witness this much awaited ceremony, despite numerous court interdicts by some disgruntled family members.
King Misuzulu performed pre-coronation rituals including the sacred Ukungena Esibayeni ritual- to ascend to the throne.
In every Zulu homestead, there is a kraal which is regarded as a sacred place where the family communicates with its ancestors. The same applies to every royal palace, even though many other sacred things are done there.
In simple terms, it means that King Misuzulu entered a sacred kraal at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace where he was introduced to the royal ancestors and the nation’s ancestors as the next AmaZulu King, following the passing of his father and mother Queen Regent, Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu.
Despite many challenges such as court interdicts getting to the throne, King Misuzulu was welcomed and recognised as the true heir to the throne.
The festivities for the day included songs and dances by amabutho (warriors) and izintombi (maidens). It was pomp and ceremony.
King Misuzulu will officially be handed a crown certificate by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a ceremony at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The date for the official ceremony is yet to be announced.
Bayede- wena weNdlovu!
Image (Hail the king. King Misuzulu accompanied by Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi and amabutho at the ceremony on Saturday).
