Sister of the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, Princess Thembi Zulu-Ndlovu, has assured South Africans that the family is fully behind the new Zulu king, Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Zulu-Ndlovu’s statement comes after pandemonium erupted at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, following the reading of Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu’s will on Friday night.
The queen, who was the regent of the Zulu kingdom, died at the age of 65 and was buried during a private ceremony on Thursday morning in her Nongoma palace.
In her will, Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu bequeathed the monarchy to her 46-year-old son, whose name means “strengthening the Zulus”.
Princess Thembi told TimesLIVE that the new king would receive their full guidance, should he seek it. She said:
Even before the reading of the will, I spoke to my children and the Royal House and told them to open up their hearts and minds.
I said we have to support whoever is called to take over, regardless of where they come from … as long as he comes from the Royal House.
Our way forward now is to congratulate the heir and praise him. If he needs us to guide him we will do so because these are the only fathers he has left.
At a media conference in the palace on Saturday evening, the prime minister to the Zulu nation, Mangosuthu Buthelezi said that both Princess Thembi and Prince Mbonisi had given their full support to the new Zulu king in a meeting with the family. Said Buthelezi:
… During this meeting Princess Thembi and Prince Mbonisi pledged their loyalty and support for His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
The family appreciates this indication that stability and unity have been restored under His Majesty the King.