An unfolding drama within the Zulu royal house mirrors the plots of a real-life Game of Thrones. Unlike the fictional Lannisters or Starks, there are no dragons, but the echoes of a Targaryen-esque civil war resonate. 

The courtroom has become the stage for a bitter family feud over the throne, triggered by the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in 2021. Despite contesting claims to the throne, a fancy ceremony went ahead, recognising one of his sons as the successor, crowning him King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini. Crucially, this was recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

King Misuzulu’s half-brother, Prince Simakade Zulu, has long asserted his claim to the throne as the rightful heir. 

This month, the entire feud was reignited when a Pretoria High Court ruling deemed Ramaphosa’s decision as “unlawful and invalid.” 

Judge Norman Davis issued a mandate to Ramaphosa, directing him to establish an investigative committee. This committee is tasked with scrutinising the claims by Prince Simakade and his uncle, Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu. The crux of their argument is that procedural missteps occurred within the AmaZulu royal family during King Misuzulu’s selection.

Judge Davis emphasised that his ruling should not be interpreted as invalidating Misuzulu’s kingship or disqualifying him as the rightful heir to the AmaZulu throne.

Cyril has declared his intent to appeal the court’s directive. Despite allegations of breaching the Leadership Act of 2019, the president supports King Misuzulu.

At the core of this saga lies a bitter family feud that transcends traditional and legal boundaries. Princes Simakade and Mbonisi argue that the AmaZulu royal family’s customary protocols were overlooked during King Misuzulu’s selection. This internal strife within the family has spilt into the public domain, turning the Zulu monarchy into something of a spectacle. 

As the Zulu monarchy navigates its real-life Game of Thrones, the world watches. Will President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appeal tip the scales in favour of King Misuzulu, or will the investigative committee shed light on the alleged breaches of customary laws? We’ll have to wait for the next episode of this particularly messy saga to find out.

This brief is part of our Year That Was 2023 edition. Read the full edition here.