Coronation Day

John,

I see from the BBC News it is coronation day in Zululand......................

After a year-long family feud, Misuzulu ka Zwelithini is finally to be crowned Zulu king in a traditional ceremony in South Africa on Saturday 20 August.

The 48-year-old is the son of the previous king, but some royals argue he was not the rightful heir and that the late king's will was in fact forged.

Thousands of people are expected at Saturday's traditional coronation at KwaKhangelamankengane Palace, where the king-to-be will enter the sacred cattle kraal to invoke his ancestors before being announced to both the living and the dead as the new Zulu monarch.

He is expected to wear the hide of the lion that he hunted for the royal event, a key feat in proving he is indeed the chosen one. More than 10 cows have been slaughtered in preparation for the festivities.

Next month, he is to be hosted by the government for a state ceremony.

The throne has no formal political power, but a fifth of South Africa's population is Zulu and its monarchy remains hugely influential with a yearly taxpayer-funded budget of more than $4.9m (£3.5m).

The Zulu kingdom has a proud history. It is world-famous for defeating British troops during the 1879 battle of Isandlwana.

Its succession battles have always been fierce - and at times, bloody. The legendary King Shaka ka Senzangakhona killed his brother in 1816 in order to take the throne, then was himself assassinated in a plot masterminded by his nephew years later.

But this latest saga, following the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu more than a year ago, has been an embarrassing public spectacle.

Various royal family factions continue to champion their preferred candidates through several legal challenges.

By the time he died last year, King Zwelithini had six wives and had ruled for more than half a century.

Kenny,

I’m watching the event live on eNCA’s YouTube channel.

JY

Dont right of Prince Simakade just yet, he has some very influential backers.

I watched the media briefing earlier, Gatsha is looking very old. Had to put 'ZULU' on to see what he looked like in his prime.
Masses of respect to him, very gifted man.

Frank,

There was a great deal of praise for the Prince of KwaPhindangene.

JY

Hi Kenny
Can you give me the name of the Brother that you mentioned who was killed by Shaka ?
90th

Gary,

Not Kenny’s error, that’s a section of the BBC’s report.

Ask Auntie Beeb.

JY

The name Sigujana hovers in my memory?

Frank,

That’s the one! Sigujana was murdered in 1816 only to be succeeded by his suspected killer, Shaka.

JY

Thanks JY , Frank .
90th