‘I have access to the highest office in the country,’ Ramaphosa’s son, Andile, allegedly informed King Misuzulu.
AS THE BATTLE FOR THE ZULU THROAT HEATS UP, Prince Simakade Zulu, the first-born son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini who is seeking to dethrone his half-brother, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and his son, Andile, of interfering in the royal household’s affairs.
In a 12-point legal plan drafted three weeks ago in Johannesburg during a conference with his lawyers, the prince implied that Andile influenced the president’s decision to expedite the process of recognising King Misuzulu, so opening the way for his coronation.
The Daily News has received detailed briefing notes containing the so-called “war plan.” One point emphasises the prince’s desire to have the recognition withdrawn.
His statement is based on a taped meeting between King Misuzulu and Andile in Kyalami, Johannesburg, just weeks before the certificate of recognition was granted in March.
Andile informs King Misuzulu that he has access to the president in the recording, which the Daily News obtained.
“Obviously, I have access to the country’s highest position, and there are certain opportunities for me to involve our families… because we are families today,” he says in the tape.
Following the tape, which will now form part of the legal struggle that will take place before the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, some members of the royal court believe Ramaphosa is attempting to seize the king and throne.
“There are also talks between Mr Andile Ramaphosa and Prince Misuzulu, during which Andile Ramaphosa committed to assisting Prince Misuzulu in his attempt to succeed his father, the president, in exchange for Prince Misuzulu ensuring that the president receives a nod from KZN (ANC). A photograph of their meeting is available, as well as an audio recording… Meanwhile, the president has met and spoken with the Prince Buthelezi faction exclusively on succession matters, both prior to and following the Madondo judgement. Buthelezi made corresponding statements.
“However, he, the president, never met with the faction that backed Prince Simakade… The royal family was so concerned about the president’s conduct that it instructed advocate Luthuli to send him a letter expressing the royal family’s concerns about his conduct, which produced a reasonable apprehension of bias on the president’s behalf. “However, the president remained silent,” the notes stated.
The notes indicate that Ramaphosa seems to have manipulated the incident to advance his political goals. “It appears as though his political and economic interests influenced his unbiased judgement. Having said that, we were relieved to learn that the prince’s chances in court are favourable on the facts and the law.”
Prince Simakade’s attorney, Johannes Hammann, stated that they met with the prince in Johannesburg lately and devised a strategy. Additionally, he stated that they were proceeding with their legal action and will submit papers in the first weeks of May.
Both Andile and the presidency declined to comment when the Daily News inquired about allegations that forces opposed to King Misuzulu were gradually capturing the king.
Tyrone Seale, Ramaphosa’s spokeswoman, declined to respond, while Andile remained silent after being emailed comprehensive questions.
Professor Sihawu Ngubane of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Zulu history, denied allegations that the Ramaphosas exploited expedited recognition to grab the king. He maintained that the court case and succession to the throne were two distinct matters that should not be muddled, as the king was born, not elected.
“The legal dispute for the Zulu throne is divorced from the conventions and traditional norms of throne sitting. A king is born, not elected, according to conventional law,” he explained.
“In response to government involvement and ultimate approval, this is for gazetting purposes as specified in the Traditional Khoi-San Leadership Act 2021. Cogta (Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs) previously applied the Traditional and Governance Act 2003.”
Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, a political analyst at the University of the Western Cape, echoed Ngubane’s sentiments. He asserted that Prince Simakade’s claim was unfounded, noting that the succession tradition was clear and was followed in recognising King Misuzulu.
Prince Thulani Zulu, the king’s aide and spokesperson, claimed they were powerless to intervene because the case was still pending.
“We cannot comment on a case that has not been heard by the Pretoria High Court,” he replied when questioned about the monarch’s capture allegations.
President Ramaphosa and son accused of trying to capture Zulu monarchy
https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/listen-president-ramaphosa-and-son-accused-of-trying-to-capture-zulu-monarchy-b2bee79d-aa98-4d10-a1fd-662778f06de1
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