In pics | Thousands of men and women in South Africa celebrate the coronation of new Zulu king
Who are Zulus?
Zulu kings are the descendants from King Shaka, a figure respected today for uniting a sizable portion of the country as the Zulu nation and leading it in the brutal fight against the British colonisers.
It’s time for celebrations
Men and women in vibrant traditional garb began to gather in front of the marble palace on the hills of Nongoma, to honour the new monarch.
Zulu warriors from Nongoma, marched into the palace grounds while brandishing spears and animal-skin shield. While waiting for the monarch to show up, they performed battle dances for hours in the bright sun.
Coronation rites
Woman sang and danced throughout the day, some baring their chests other wearing pleated skirts and beaded belts, or wearing textiles with effigy of the ruler.
The new king was exalted by royal minstrels, who recounted the tale of his legendary ancestors.
"We have our king!”
Misuzulu Zulu, 47, the new king was all decked up in traditional skin and a necklace of predator claws.
A man in the crowd shouted, "We have our king!"
To keep up with the traditions, he killed a lion few days before his coronation ceremony.
A new chapter for Zulu nation
During customary procedures that were at least partially overshadowed by a court succession battle, Misuzulu Zulu, 47, succeeded to the throne that had been previously held by his later father.
The new ruler addressed the crowd, “Today the Zulu nation starts a new chapter.” He continued, “I promise I will work to unite the Zulu nation." AFP reported.
Misuzulu a legitimate monarch
In the upcoming months, President Cyril Ramaphosa will legally validate the crowning after recognising the Misuzulu as a legitimate monarch in March.
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