King Misuzulu the catalyst to bring about positive change

Nkosikhulule Nyembezi

Cape Town - You only had to watch a few minutes of the coronation ceremony of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at Moses Mabhida stadium on Saturday to notice that, in South Africa, an old order is passing.

In its place, something new is emerging, propelled by the younger generation.

Most prominent public comments have naturally focused on the number of dignitaries in attendance and the royal family succession squabbles.

But the process of change we are witnessing is not just about individuals, but also about our governance in a constitutional democracy as people observe traditional customs.

It is about our politics – and it is even about our nation.

While the new monarch’s first name means “strengthening the Zulus”, his path to the crown has not been smooth. Instead, there are many challenges ahead.

The tone at the stadium was celebratory, emotional even.

Immediately after President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over the certificate of the government’s recognition of him as the sole legitimate Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu shook Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s hand.

As the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation, he contributed immensely to making the coronation a reality.

Even Prince Buthelezi acknowledged in his remarks that the recognition by the government closed a painful chapter for the Zulu nation.

Coronation speeches can influence public opinion; they can honour ideals and celebrate the historical bonds of a nation.

During what may yet have been a once-in-a-lifetime historic event for many, King Misuzulu positioned himself as a leader embarking on a journey with the community and hoping to be a catalyst to bring about positive change.

After taking his oath of office, he committed to “develop the country and the economy and promote peace and reconciliation first among the Zulus, South Africans and Africans”.

That expression of commitment to serving all the people might prove pivotal, with many people practising traditional customs when they select an authority to enhance their culture and heritage.

“I understand that history has chosen me when the Zulus are facing several challenges at this time,” he said. “The challenges are poverty, unemployment, a trust deficit in government and traditional leadership, climate change and food insecurity.”

New leaders often spout these platitudes, changing nothing much in practice.

But in a province and a country where polarisation has become increasingly common across sectors of society, they were striking nonetheless.

Here is a king seeking to move the dial of public debate on important issues while simultaneously shoring up the monarchy’s interests. It was a brief but revealing insight into how he may operate as king.

At three points in the speech, he used the phrase “community development”. All three usages felt very deliberate and significant.

They signalled that this is a monarch who, now that he has hold of the steering wheel, will occasionally look in the rear-view mirror and drive until he reaches his destination.

The symbolism of unity and hope in the speech sounded like a new recognition that, for younger generations, the monarchy has increasingly become identified with nation renewal and patriotism as a means of laying those ghosts to rest.

It comes after the 2021 public looting of property, the ongoing political killings targeting traditional and civil society leaders, and the devastating floods that swept KwaZulu-Natal.

The new king is sentimentally attached to the land under the Ingonyama Trust and traditional farming methods. His royal council and the provincial house of traditional leaders need new development deals involving several stakeholders to show that the custodianship of communal land is succeeding in improving the lives of ordinary people.

Community development must rejuvenate community farming threatened by frequent droughts and floods caused by climate change. Perhaps the most significant difference in approach to rural development between traditional leaders and politicians, however, will not be one of policy, but of timing.

Politicians think in election cycles, which is why Prince Buthelezi encouraged the re-election of Ramaphosa for a second term as ANC leader and president of the country.

Even before his coronation, there was little dispute that King Misuzulu, and the institution of traditional leadership, were generally unifying forces in most of modern KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

But to be a unifying force does not in itself result in unity. The people must also want to be unified, starting with the Zulu royal family. This aspect is less certain.

“You have picked up the mighty spear that has fallen. May your steady hand guide and bring stability to the kingship of the Amazulu,” Ramaphosa said, adding that his government was committed to working with the new king to help transform rural areas into places of prosperity.

Ramaphosa quoted Shaka Zulu, the community’s most influential 18th century leader: “He, Emperor Shaka, would say: ‘On my right is the nation, on my left are my clansmen, this is the bond that binds us together.’ Your majesty, you are the bond that binds the Amazulu nation together.”

But unelected monarchies survive only by ensuring the smooth succession of their children, which means thinking in terms of generations. King Misuzulu no doubt understands that the survival of the monarchy depends on reinforcing democracy rather than appearing to threaten it.

However, the monarchy has far more soft political power than is commonly recognised.

The royal family can significantly influence the government behind closed doors before elected public representatives make final decisions on matters affecting traditional customs.

While listening to King Mswati III, I received a text message from a friend on the other side of the stadium. These were extraordinary scenes, we both agreed, but would they have lasting consequences in and for KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and her neighbours?

My reply was quick and emphatic. “It is possible!”

The past weekend’s events have undoubtedly strengthened the monarchy, institutions of traditional leaders across the country, and the nation.

Yet today’s goodwill may not endure as strongly as the people resist oppressive customs and practices enforced by traditional leaders and rampant corruption by politicians in government.

Nyembezi is a human rights activist and policy analyst.

Cape Times