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South Africa's Top Court Hears Ramaphosa's Appeal Over Zulu King Recognition Dispute
South Africa's Top Court Hears Ramaphosa's Appeal Over Zulu King Recognition Dispute
Sputnik Africa
South Africa's Top Court Hears Ramaphosa's Appeal Over Zulu King Recognition Dispute 29.05.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-05-29T18:07+0200
2025-05-29T18:07+0200
2025-05-29T19:23+0200
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South Africa's Top Court Hears Ramaphosa's Appeal Over Zulu King Recognition DisputeThe Supreme Court of Appeal is hearing Cyril Ramaphosa's appeal against the Gauteng High Court's 2023 ruling to invalidate the president's recognition of Misuzulu kaZwelithini as king of the Zulu nation.The president "did not appoint a king, but recognized one" in line with Zulu customary law, Ramaphosa's lawyer, Morumo Moerane, told the court. The role, he stressed, was "confirmatory — not elective."Historical and legal context of the case:The Zulu, South Africa’s largest ethnic group (11 million), recognize a king who holds moral and cultural authority but no political power. Pretoria officially recognizes seven royal families.
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South Africa's Top Court Hears Ramaphosa's Appeal Over Zulu King Recognition Dispute
Sputnik Africa
South Africa's Top Court Hears Ramaphosa's Appeal Over Zulu King Recognition Dispute
2025-05-29T18:07+0200
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South Africa's Top Court Hears Ramaphosa's Appeal Over Zulu King Recognition Dispute
The Supreme Court of Appeal is hearing Cyril Ramaphosa's appeal against the Gauteng High Court's 2023 ruling to invalidate the president's recognition of Misuzulu kaZwelithini as king of the Zulu nation.
The president "did not appoint a king, but recognized one" in line with Zulu customary law, Ramaphosa's lawyer, Morumo Moerane, told the court. The role, he stressed, was "confirmatory — not elective."
Historical and legal context of the case:
The dispute followed the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini in March 2021, after which the Zulu royal family split over succession.
In May 2021, royal family members selected Misuzulu during a formal meeting.
His uncle and brother contested the process, claiming some relatives were absent at the meeting.
Ramaphosa officially recognized Misuzulu at a coronation ceremony in October 2023.
The Gauteng High Court later ruled the recognition illegal, citing procedural flaws — particularly the lack of a mediation committee.
The Zulu, South Africa’s largest ethnic group (11 million), recognize a king who holds moral and cultural authority but no political power. Pretoria officially recognizes seven royal families.
