RAMAPHOSA MUST STEP IN ON ROYALS ROW

IT IS time for President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in the Zulu royal family succession dispute, or risk witnessing a messy battle that will tarnish the image of traditional leadership.

Since the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini in March this year, the royal family has been embroiled in an unfortunate battle over who should succeed the late king.

The installation of King Misuzulu has been vehemently opposed by some members of the royal family, with some recommending other family members as rightful successors to King Zwelithini. Last week there were allegations that King Misuzulu had been poisoned, worsening an already tense situation.

It is clear to everyone who has been following the matters involving the Zulu royal family that they have not done a good job of dealing with the current impasse.

While the decision of the KwaZulu-Natal government to freeze the funding of the Zulu royal household is well intended, it may very well be misinterpreted in some circles to mean that the government does not want the current king to ascend to the throne.

It is therefore imperative that the highest level of government gets involved to avoid a messy succession dispute that could tarnish the institution of traditional leadership in this country. Ramaphosa's committee could be made up of a senior minister, a retired judge and perhaps a historian specialising in Zulu history.

Getting a neutral group of individuals to constitute a high level committee would ensure that matters of the royal family are handled with the right decorum and respect.

It would also give the warring parties the freedom to express their frustrations and views on matters involving their lives. The committee could help the family arrive at a peaceful and lasting solution.

We are aware that this matter is before the court, and that such interventions can be regarded as circumventing the legal process.

Court processes are, by their very nature, adversarial and confrontational.

The committee's work, on the other hand, would be focused on mediation and finding a sustainable solution. A solution that would ensure peaceful co-existence among members of the royal family.