In an effort to strengthen unity within the royal family, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has appointed Prince Nkosinathi Zulu from the Mandlakazi house as his representative in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The move signals a significant gesture towards reconciliation, as the Mandlakazi house has historically been viewed as “estranged” due to its controversial lineage.
Prince Nkosinathi replaces Prince Simphiwe Zulu, who was dismissed by King Misuzulu for neglecting his responsibilities. The Mandlakazi house has faced long-standing criticism regarding its legitimacy, as its members are descendants of Prince Sojiyisa, who is considered by some to have been born under questionable circumstances.
Zulu historians recount that King Jama, who ruled the Zulu kingdom in the 18th century, married a woman from the Thonga tribe in the northeast of KwaZulu-Natal. This woman was already pregnant from a previous relationship when she married the king, and she gave birth to Sojiyisa, whom King Jama recognized as his firstborn son. However, upon realizing that Sojiyisa would inherit the throne, King Jama’s sister, Mkabayi, arranged for Mthaniya Sibiya to marry the king. Mthaniya later gave birth to Senzangakhona, who, with Mkabayi’s influence, was positioned as the true heir to the throne over Sojiyisa.
Prince Nkosinathi, a direct descendant of Sojiyisa, has publicly defended his family’s legitimacy. “It’s a myth that my forefather, Prince Sojiyisa, was an illegitimate child. If that were the case, I don’t believe the king would have appointed me to such a senior position,” Prince Nkosinathi said. “This appointment is proof from King Misuzulu that we are legitimate members of the royal family.”
Despite Prince Nkosinathi’s defense, some members of the royal family have expressed their disapproval. One senior prince, speaking on condition of anonymity, voiced concerns over the historical stigma attached to the Mandlakazi house. He pointed out that Sojiyisa’s purported illegitimacy, compounded by the controversial actions of Prince Zibhebhu, who fought alongside British forces during the destruction of King Cetshwayo’s palace in Ulundi in 1879, has led to ongoing tensions within the royal family.
Prince Nkosinathi, now 65 years old, grew up alongside King Misuzulu at the Kwakhangelanamankengane royal palace from 1983 onwards. He was mentored by the late King Zwelithini, and he has had a long career as a nurse. Presently, he works as an assistant director in the forensic section of the provincial Department of Health. Although he was set to retire in October, Prince Nkosinathi is fulfilling a month’s notice and will officially begin his new role as the king’s representative by the end of the month.
