JOHANNESBURG 

A high court in South Africa ruled Monday that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to recognize King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the ruler of the Zulu tribe, the country’s largest ethnic group, was unlawful, according to local media reports. 

Last year, the government recognized Misuzulu as the king of the Zulu nation, which mainly resides in the country’s southeast province of KwaZulu-Natal.

There are estimated to be over 10 million Zulu people in the country, which has a population of over 60 million.

Misuzulu’s half-brother Prince Simakade Zulu brought an application to court challenging his ascension to the throne, according to local news site EWN.

Judge Norman Davis ruled that the government’s recognition of Misuzulu is unlawful and invalid, it reported.

It added that "Davis has ordered Ramaphosa to appoint an investigative committee that will probe allegations by Prince Simakade that the nomination process was not done in terms of customary laws and principles.''

Misuzulu, 49, was named king in 2021 after the death of his father King Goodwill Zwelithini, who had ruled the Zulu nation for almost 50 years.

Disagreements among some members of the royal family ensued after Misuzulu was named king.

In South Africa, the position of a traditional king is largely ceremonial, but kings have influential roles in their communities, especially the Zulu king.