KZN Premier calls for peace within Zulu Royal family

Members of the KZN government visited the royal family at KwaKhangela Royal Palace today to pay their respects following the passing of Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu.

Zikalala's comments come as several members of the royal family have launched legal challenges over Goodwill Zwelithini's will following his passing in March.

The king's first wife, Queen Sibongile Zulu says she's entitled to half of the estate and challenging the throne.

Two of her daughters, Princess Ntandoyenkosi and Princess Ntombizosuthu are challenging the validity of the will and are asking the Pietermaritzburg High Court to interdict its execution.

READ: Dlamini-Zuma calls for ‘dignity' as tensions simmer among Zulu royals

Zikalala says it's unfortunate how this has unfolded. "It pains us to see issues of the royal family being discussed in the manner on which it has happened, where there has been an exchange of words publicly. Among people who have a responsibility to sit together and discuss. 

"Our plea is to respect her majesty, the Queen and his majesty. All of us here would confirm that his majesty was emphatic on the approach of solving problems through discussions." 

Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has called on the Zulu nation to maintain its dignity as legal battles loom between members of the royal family.

She's visited KwaKhangela-Mankengana Royal Palace in Nongoma to pay her respects following the passing of Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu.