#Other countries : He appeared in a spectacular robe of black feathers: the new king of the Zulu people, a powerful customary ruler crowned despite a fierce clan war at the palace, was enthroned in South Africa on Saturday in front of a huge crowd.
In the young democracy with 11 official languages, the sovereigns and traditional chiefs are recognized by the Constitution. Kings without executive power, they wield great moral authority and are deeply respected by their people.
To succeed his father Goodwill Zwelithini, who died last year after 50 years of reign, Misuzulu Zulu, 47, killed a lion a few days before the ceremony.
He then spent a night in the “cattle pen” of the KwaKhangelamankengane palace in Nongoma, a small town in KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN, southeast) and cradle of the Zulu nation.
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A sort of temple for the “people of the sky”, only a few men know the secrets of this enclosure and the rites that take place there. The king of the Zulus was to come out on Saturday, dubbed by the ancestors and crowned.
Waiting to see him appear, thousands of “amaButho” warriors dressed in animal skins danced and mimed the war, under a scorching sun, around the small marble palace.
“It’s the big day, when our king officially ascends the throne,” Themba Fakazi, 59, who is part of the regiments of warriors in charge of protecting the king, told AFP.
– King’s poets –
The king’s poets strolled through the crowd, telling the legend of the warrior people. The country’s 11 million Zulus, almost one in five South Africans, are descendants of Chaka, a charismatic leader and military genius who made history by winning a bloody battle against the British Empire.
The women wore their most beautiful traditional outfits adorned with colored beads. Others draped themselves in fabrics bearing the effigy of the sovereign with the inscription “Bayede”, “Greet the king” in the Zulu language.
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Hundreds of young girls danced topless. Taking turns entering the circle, they lifted their legs high before their soles echoed on the dusty ground.
Dozens of cows were killed to be served to the guests. Delegations of customary kings from neighboring countries were present, with gifts.
“The Zulu Nation is entering a new chapter today. I promise to work to unite it,” Misuzulu Zulu said as he appeared before the crowd.
For more than a year, a dispute over the succession has plagued the palace. The late king’s first wife and her clan dispute the legitimacy of Misuzulu Zulu, born to the king’s favorite and third wife. A last-minute appeal on Saturday to try to prevent the coronation failed.
The king, whose name means “strengthening the Zulu people”, already has two wives and four children.
“He ensures stability and order among his people,” said Ntokozo Malchathini, 31, employed in a logistics company.
Playing a role of guarantor of social peace in his kingdom, the king of the Zulus receives support from the state.
Known for leading a lavish lifestyle, King Zwelithini received around 75,000 euros a year for his personal use, as well as a budget of 4.2 million euros for the functioning of the kingdom, according to a government scale.
The Zulu sovereign enjoys nearly 30,000 km2 of land – approximately the size of Belgium – managed by a trust of which he is the sole administrator and from which he can draw rents.
After the traditional ceremony, the new sovereign must be formally recognized by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the coming months.