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May 2022
15m 16s

What role do monarchs play in Africa?

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Preparations are underway in South Africa for the coronation of Misuzulu Zulu as the new king of the AmaZulu tribe. There was high drama when his succession was announced last year on television – after one of the royal family members stood up and questioned the recognition of the new king. Chaos ensued.

But now – as he prepares to ascend the throne, Africa Daily looks at the part monarchies play across the continent – and whether they’re a force for good.

“The Republic of South Africa as we know it was never founded by African people. It was founded by Caucasians – people of European origin. They found us here as established kingdoms.”

(Zolani Mkiva, Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa).

Presenter: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)

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