DURBAN - ZULU King Misuzulu’s coronation is set for the end of May, according to a letter from President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed to Zulu Traditional Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The letter dated April 4 makes reference to the invitation sent to Ramaphosa in March to attend the coronation.
“I have noted that the royal family has decided to host the ceremony by the end of May 2022 at the Enyokeni Palace. This letter serves to confirm my availability to participate in the said event,” read the letter.
The president’s letter appears to put to rest speculation that the coronation ceremony would take place in Durban.
Buthelezi’s spokesperson, Liezel van der Merwe, said a formal announcement would be made by the traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch and nation once the date of the coronation had been finalised.
“But, yes, Prince Buthelezi did receive the letter. The president’s availability is being discussed with His Majesty the King, the royal family and the coronation committee,” said Van der Merwe.
In another development, Buthelezi has called the members of the royal family from all the palaces to meet this weekend.
It is believed that the meeting will finalise the preparations for the coronation.
Last week the king had a umembeso, which is a pre-wedding ceremony to his first wife, Ntokozo Mayisela, in Newcastle, which was attended by some members of the royal family including Princess Thembi Zulu-Ndlovu.
The attendance of the royals was seen by many as a sign of unity in the royal family whose members have been at loggerheads as to who should be the successor to King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, who passed away last year.
Yesterday, the king’s spokesperson, Prince Africa Zulu, also indicated that the end of May was being considered for the coronation.
“We know that there is a lot of excitement around this, especially after the letter from the president. But there are still discussions around the actual date which will be communicated in due course,” said the prince.
He also confirmed the meeting of the royals in Ulundi on Saturday.
Enyokeni Palace has traditionally been the host venue for the Reed Dance Festival, an annual event where maidens visit the king to present reeds as a sign of affirming their purity.