Thousands gathered at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace at KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa for the coronation of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini while millions were following the proceedings on live broadcast and social media. “He is our King, and we are his subjects!” This was one message expressed by the people, from Zulu culture experts to the crowd’s chanting, singing, dancing and social media posts. People have been anticipating this day when the ritual for ukungena esibayeni (entering the kraal) of King Misuzulu would be carried out.
Saturday, 20 August 2022 is a historical day because the crowning of AmaZulu King ceremony was last performed in December 1971, 50 years ago when the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu ascended to the throne.
Dignitaries, including other kings and traditional and political leaders, were present for the ceremony. King M’Mbelwa of Malawi encouraged King Misuzulu to bring the nation together rather than divide it.
In his keynote address, King Misuzulu emphasised that the Zulu nation is turning a new page. He vowed to the audience that “from today the Zulu Nation is united”. This assertion gives the nation hope after a year-long royal family battle that resulted in other members of the family claiming the throne. The Zulu nation was encouraged by the King to pay attention to what those claiming to be the true successors are saying, but not to take their words seriously.
We have learned a tremendous amount about Zulu culture, particularly the rituals involved in the coronation of the AmaZulu King. I am in awe to learn about the significance of these rituals because I am part of the generation that witnessed the coronation of the AmaZulu King for the first time in their lifetime. I discovered that the lion needed to be hunted down by the King, killed, and brought to the palace. Since all creatures submit to the lion, the King must possess equal authority. I also discovered that in order to prepare for his coronation, the King must conduct the sacred ceremony known as ukungena esibayeni (entering the kraal) where the King communicates with ancestors.
