South Africa's Constitutional Court has dismissed an appeal against the recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the rightful heir to the AmaZulu throne. The ruling upholds a previous Supreme Court of Appeal decision affirming President Cyril Ramaphosa's endorsement.
On February 20, 2026, South Africa's Constitutional Court dismissed an application by a faction of the Zulu Royal family to appeal the October 2025 Supreme Court of Appeal judgment. That earlier ruling had affirmed President Cyril Ramaphosa's recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the AmaZulu monarch.
The applicants, including Prince Simakade and others, approached the apex court in an effort to overturn the decision. The Constitutional Court reviewed the application and determined there were no reasonable prospects of success.
As a result, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini remains the rightful heir to the AmaZulu throne. The court found the appeal lacked sufficient grounds for success, leading to its rejection.
The decision has been widely reported in media outlets, including SABC News, which noted that King Misuzulu is confirmed as the legitimate heir. Supporters of Prince Simakade expressed disappointment with the ruling, but the court's affirmation solidifies Misuzulu's position.
Following the October 2025 judgment, the situation had already stabilized within the royal family, and this latest outcome reinforces that stability.
