Dozens of Zulu in traditional clothing marched through the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday to honor Mantfombi Dlamini, who died on April 29.LUCA SOLA / AFP
The hearse with the body of the Queen Regent of the Zulu monarchy arrived last Wednesday at the Nongoma Palace, in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, in the east of the country, escorted by tribal chiefs and citizens dressed in leopard skins. , colorful beads, shields and spears. There, in a traditional and private ceremony, the family saw off 65-year-old Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu. His death, just over a month after the death of the king, Goodwill Zwelithini, 72, has plunged the Zulu people into an unprecedented situation and has opened a great unknown for the succession of an empire where land, main source of income of its inhabitants, are administered outside the law of the State. The Zulu is the most important ethnic group in South Africa,to which about 21% of the population belongs (between 10 and 12 million South Africans), mythical for his bravery and skill in the battle against the British, and who, when his eighth monarch died this March, has succumbed to rumors and disputes worldly relatives, far removed from the ostentatious wardrobe.
Pandora's box has been opened wide in Kwazulu-Natal, which is home to the kingdom of Zululand, where its leaders, although without executive power - the Constitution recognizes their role but grants them a ceremonial role - are fundamental in the taking of decisions and support for South African national policies. After half a century of reign, on March 12, the monarch Zwelithini, a staunch defender of an institution that dates back to the 18th century, did not overcome the complications of the diabetes he suffered and died. His will appointed Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu as regent to oversee the appointment of his successor. Less than a month later, still mourning the king, Dlamini was admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. He died on April 29 without the causes being known at the moment.This Friday the official funeral will be held, to which members of the South African Government are expected to attend.
Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, at a festival near Durban in 2013.RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP
"It was a surprise that has left us completely devastated, but there will not be a power vacuum in the Zulu nation during this time of mourning," said Zulu Prime Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi, also founder of the historic Inkatha Freedom Party - played a role. crucial in the transition to democracy in the country, always maintaining dialogue with the National Party of Afrikaners.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shared the Zulu's dismay as he expressed his condolences: “In this hour of pain, I extend my thoughts and prayers once more to the royal family, having to bid farewell to the regent in succession. sadly short ”.
King Zwelithini has survived six queens, 11 princesses and 26 princes, in addition to six palaces and the management of an annual budget for the province of 71.3 million rand (4.19 million euros). Dlamini was his third wife, but she held the title of "great queen" for the dowry she brought and for having royal blood as the daughter of King Sobhuza II of Eswatini (Swaziland). The succession, by tradition, should have fallen to the eldest son of the first of the wives, but this, Prince Lethukuthula, died in November of last year. Authorities are investigating his case as possible murder.
It is still unknown if any of the sons have been raised to be king because the Zulu throne has always been an element of contention: King Shaka, revered as the great Zulu warrior who has inspired movies and cartoons, known for his warlike prowess and for Being the architect of tactics reproduced during the struggle against
apartheid
, he was assassinated by a brother to seize power.
And Zwelithini himself was forced into exile and hiding for three years before accessing the throne because of death threats he received.
A reality that the late monarch wanted to avoid the one who succeeded him, and that was truncated with the premature death of the queen regent.
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Maxwell Shamase, historian and professor at the University of Zululand, confirms that the name of the ninth Zulu king is not known even to members of the royal family. The balance could be turned between Queen Dlamini's first son, Prince Misuzulu, 47, or Prince Phumuzuzulu, son of the late king's second wife.
"It is possible that things have changed because now we have a constitutional monarchy in which everyone is equal," says Shamase after noting that Prince Misuzulu has studied International Relations in the United States. "He has a more modern vision of politics, in addition to royal blood, and of understanding the cultural practices that can strengthen the Zulu nation," continues the historian. Prince Phumuzuzulu is the heir to the Enyokeni Palace, where events such as the Reed Dance are held, in which the value of virginity and morality of young women is highlighted (and which was also used to fight AIDS in the region ). “His mother played a fundamental role in reviving this dance with the king. Also, there is very little information about the prince, and perhaps that is why he could have been raised to be king ”,explains Shamase.
In the spiral of statements and open family disputes after the death of Dlamini, several brothers of her husband, the late king, have also accused the Zulu prime minister of excluding them from family gatherings to make decisions in the open unknown. “We must be part of the discussions and agreements. The people say that we are not involved and that is very painful, "said one of the princesses, who also rejected any relationship with the alleged poisoning of the queen, a rumor denied by the royal house. The first wife of the late monarch and her two daughters also add fuel to the fire, by demanding 50% of the royal estate and recognition as the only legal wife of the late monarch. To demonstrate this, they have hired the services of an expert in calligraphy who, according to those interested,It will show that the will was forged and should be annulled.
