Appeals Court Overturns High Court Ruling, Restores Recognition of AmaZulu King Misuzulu

Johannesburg, South Africa – October 6, 2025

In a landmark legal victory, the Supreme Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision that previously declared the President’s recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the AmaZulu monarch invalid.

The appellate court ruled that President Cyril Ramaphosa followed the correct legal procedures in confirming Misuzulu’s legitimacy.

The High Court had earlier held that the presidential recognition was invalid, throwing the royal succession into doubt. That judgment had introduced months of uncertainty around the AmaZulu throne, leaving the Zulu royal house in dispute.

With the appeal court’s decision, the recognition of Misuzulu as AmaZulu king is now legally reinforced, effectively ending the legal challenge to his status. Observers say the judgment not only strengthens the royal house’s position but also vindicates the presidency’s handling of the process.

The court’s ruling is likely to calm tensions surrounding Zulu leadership and may reduce further litigation over succession.