Cape Town – Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini led a royal hunt for a lion on Thursday for his “entering the sacred kraal ritual” (ukungena esibayeni) on Saturday.
According to IOL, this week has been a hive of activity at the royal palace in KwaNongoma, as the king is expected to perform the entering of the kraal ritual this weekend.
The ceremony is part of the build-up to the coronation.
“The ceremony is the most important part of becoming a Zulu king. It will introduce the king to the ancestors as the successor of the late King Goodwill Zwelethini,” The Citizen said, quoting cultural expert at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Gugu Mazibuko
Misuzulu will wear the lion’s skin during the ritual.
On Thursday, he embarked on a hunt for a lion in Mkuze falls game reserve.
This is his final traditional rite before being officially crowned Zulu King next month.
ALSO READ | SA’s Zulus to crown new king as succession row rages
Misuzulu succeeds his father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March last year after 50 years in charge, according to AFP.
Although the title of king does not confer executive power, Zulu monarchs wield significant moral authority over more than 11 million Zulus, who make up nearly a fifth of South Africa’s population.
Visuals of the hunt were shared on Twitter.
Take a look at some of the visuals below:
WATCH: King Misuzulu KaZwelithini walking back to the main house in the palace after delivering the lion he brought back from the royal hunt at Mkuze falls game reserve. This was in preparation for the main day on Saturday at KwaKhangalemankengane royal palace in Nongoma. @IOL pic.twitter.com/j43b8LFgbn
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) August 18, 2022
PHOTOS: King Misuzulu KaZwelithini preparing for the last rites of bringing home a lion – a very feared animal. It’s now strictly a private ritual that cannot be recorded by the media. Only royal family elders and the King will remain in the sacred kraal. @IOL pic.twitter.com/f0Z4w7yDoN
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) August 18, 2022
WATCH: King Misuzulu convoy upon his return from the royal hunt where he was supposed to bring a lion to be used for his entering the kraal ritual on Saturday at KwaKhangalemankengane palace. He successfully brought it with him. @IOL pic.twitter.com/o7w3sVdBSe
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) August 18, 2022
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Picture: Facebook/ Thembekile Terra Mbure
For more African news visit, Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
