It was a moment of happiness when President Cyril Ramaphosa finally handed over the certificate of recognition to the new Zulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
The historic ceremony happened at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Saturday, 29 October and it was attended by about 48 000 people, including top politicians and king Misuzulu’s uncle king Mswati III.
It was the first time for many people to witness a ceremony like this as the late king Zwelithini was coronated in 1971 under the apartheid regime.
Zulu nation and Swatini nation shared the pitch singing their traditional hymns to celebrate king Misuzulu’s certificate.
Archbishop Thabo Magkoba anointed king Misuzulu with holy oil while he put a ring on his left hand as a sign of his commitment to lead the Zulu nation with integrity.
King Misuzulu also took the oath from Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo to faithfully lead the nation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said it was a moment of joy for him to present the certificate of recognition for king Misuzulu.
“Today is the day of joy as we commemorate the Zulu nation. It is the day for peace, a day for unity as we gather and remember who we are.
“Today all great kings of the Zulu nation are with us, and they have blessed this ceremony. I’m talking about all kings of the Zulu nation, Senzangakhona, king Shaka, king Dingane and all ancestors of you king Misuzulu are here” he said
Ramaphosa said on Saturday they were at Moses Mabhida stadium to witness a new epoch in the history of AmaZulu.
“As president of the Republic, I am here to hand over the certificate of recognition to his majesty king Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
“I do so to fulfil my duty under our Constitution, which affirms the role of our kings and queens. I’m here to commit my government to work with his majesty to change the lives of our people and transform our rural areas into places of development and prosperity.
“I do so to recognize that our traditional leaders are the custodians of the cultures and customs and traditions that make us who we are,” he said.
Eswatini ruler king Mswati III who is the uncle to king Misuzulu congratulated his nephew king Misuzulu by getting recognition from the president.
“We are happy that we have this historic day and now many of you are the witness of what the official king's coronation is like.
“Coronation for the king is always a king's lesion because it happened after many years. I believe many of you didn’t know what the coronation of the king was like but today history has happened.
After receiving his certificate for recognition king Misuzulu said he thanked God and his ancestors that the day for him to get his certificate for recognition finally came.
“I thank all who contributed to working for this throne starting from the Zulu monarch, the traditional Prime Minister and my uncles in the eSwatini, king Mswati III, they have prayed for this throne and this day.
“God has blessed us and I’m thankful that we have gone a long way until we reach our good destination today. I’m thankful that during the long journey there was no bloodshed”.
“Zulu nation I promise you the peace and the intelligent leadership and the successful leadership I will continue where my father late king Zwelithini left,” he said.
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King Misuzulu thanked Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi for his good work in fighting for the Zulu throne by presenting him with the lion skin.
He also presented businessman Patrice Motsepe with a cow shield for promoting unity while he presented President Cyril Ramaphosa with an imbatha, crown, spear and two cows.
He finally presented his uncle king Mswati III with the cow shield and seven cows.
