Tensions brewing within Zulu Royal family

Tensions brewing within Zulu Royal family

Tensions are brewing within the Zulu Royal family amid the recent death of regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu. 

Zulu Quuen royal palace at KwaKhangela
Steve Bhengu

She died in hospital on Thursday, more than a month after King Goodwill Zwelithini's passing.

Following King Goodwill Zwelithini's passing last month, it was announced that Queen Mantfombi Dlamini-Zulu  would take on the role as regent for the mourning period and until the king's successor has been named. 

There has been speculation that Queen Mantfombi 's eldest son Prince Misuzulu will ascend to the throne.

READ: Nongoma Mayor awaiting plans for Zulu Queen's funeral arrangements

However, upon the queen falling ill, tensions became apparent with two of the king's daughters going to court over their father's will. 

Princess Ntombizosuthu and Princess Ntandoyenkosi claimed the will is fraudulent and want the court to stop it's execution. 

Other relatives of the king are also understood to be challenging succession. 

They insist the son of Zwelithini's late eldest son, Prince Lethukuthula Zulu is the rightful air and a regent should be appointed until he is old enough to take over the throne. 

Members of the royal family are said to have been holding separate meetings around succession and side-ling Prime Minister of the Zulu Monarch Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and other elders. 

Reporters at Queen Mantfombi 's royal palace at KwaKhangela also witnessed a public spate between members of the royal family and close relatives to the late queen. 

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