King Misuzulu kaZwelithini of the Zulu nation has welcomed the verdict to obtain the leave to appeal following a high court ruling in December 2023 where Judge Norman Davis ordered his recognition as king to be declared unlawful and invalid.

UNWAVERING SUPPORT

Reacting to the verdict, Misuzulu said he extends his heartfelt congratulations to President Cyril Ramaphosa on the momentous achievement of obtaining leave to appeal against the order of the High Court dated 11 December 2023.

"I commend the unwavering commitment and dedication displayed by President Ramaphosa in pursuit of justice and the rule of law. Also commendable is the diligence and legal prowess that Ramaphosa demonstrated in securing this significant milestone in the pursuit of a fair and just legal process.This accomplishment augurs well with the resilience and robustness of the Republic?s legal system. It reflects the unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice and ensuring thatn every citizen is afforded a fair and impartial hearing," he said.

Misuzulu further said that he extends his best wishes to Ramaphosa, the legal teams, and all those involved in thepursuit of justice. 

"May this leave to appeal mark the beginning of a thorough and transparent legal process that upholds the principles of democracy and justice. The Royal Crown and the entire Zulu Nation is wholeheartedly behind this process and shall remain steadfast in prayer that our country's

Supreme Court of Appeal will adjudicate with the utmost diligence, ensuring a fair and impartial examination of the matter at hand," Misuzulu added

FAILED TO FOLLOW DUE PROCESSES

King Misuzulu was recognised by Ramaphosa as the King of the nation a year after the deaths of his father King Goodwill Zwelithini kaZulu and his mother, Queen Regent Mantfombi.

The court case between King Goodwill Zwelithini?s sons resumed just a month after the passing of Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who had backed Misuzulu?s appointment as king. 

Judge Davis ordered that the appointment was unlawful and found that Ramaphosa had failed to follow due process in terms of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act 3 of 2019, also known as the Leadership Act, when he failed to institute an investigating committee when a dispute over the Zulu throne arose between Misuzulu and Prince Simakade.

In December the high court further ordered Ramaphosa to institute an investigative committee to investigate allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of Misuzulu