Prince Simakade not laying claim to Zulu throne

Reading a statement on behalf of the prince on Tuesday, Buthelezi said Simakade had asked him to set the record straight - following public speculation about him.

"He has asked me to read this statement to make it clear that he has no such intention and that he gives his full support and loyalty to his majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. I trust that this puts the matter to rest." 

There was high drama on Friday during a public reading of the will of the late regent, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu in which she named Misuzulu as the successor to the throne.

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King Misuzulu had to be whisked away and there were fears for his safety.

Buthelezi says he was asked by the KZN Premier to be a mediator for the royal family.

"Following his majesty, the king's appointment last Friday, the honourable premier of KwaZulu-Natal and the honourable minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs approached me with an offer to mediate in the Royal family. I advised that I would take this matter to his majesty. 

"Upon consultation with his majesty, both the king and the queen mother, Queen Mavis maZungu asked that I should thank the premier and thank the minister for the offer but that at the moment, they feel quite able to sort out their own problems without seeking any side help."