South Africa’s new Zulu King has been formally enthroned as the head of the country’s most influential traditional monarchy at a colourful ceremony attended by tens of thousands of people.
President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over a giant framed certificate officially recognizing the 48-year-old new ruler Misuzulu Zulu in the coastal city of Durban.
“Our king is indeed officially the King of the Zulu nation and the only king of the Zulu nation” Ramaphosa declared to rapturous applause at an 85,000-seater soccer stadium.
The king vowed to promote “peace and reconciliation” and to “be a catalyst” for development.
Misuzulu has now ascended the throne once held by his late father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March 2021—after more than 50 years on the throne.
The crowning followed a traditional coronation ceremony in August is the first South Africa has witnessed in over half a century.
“This historic moment only comes once in a lifetime, many of us will never see this historic moment again,” Ramaphosa said.
