Tens of thousands of people in colorful regalia gathered at a giant football stadium in the coastal city of Durban on Saturday to celebrate the official coronation of South Africa’s Zulu king.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was due to present the certificate formally recognizing the 48-year-old new ruler of the country’s richest and most influential traditional monarchy.

Misuzulu Zulu ascended the throne once held by his late father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March 2021 following a diabetes-related illness.

The coronation – the first South Africa has seen in more than half a century – comes after a year of bitter royal succession feuding that has spilled over into the courts.

Although the title of king confers no executive powers, the monarchs exercise great moral influence over more than 11 million Zulus, who make up almost a fifth of South Africa’s population.

Amabutho, or royal regiments, dressed in traditional skirts, bodices of faux leopard skin, and carrying shields and staffs, sang songs of praise to their king.

Singing and whistling as they glided slowly and majestically across the pitch, the women wore wide-brimmed Zulu hats and traditional cloaks.

Young girls in equally colorful pleated skirts and beads danced and cheered excitedly at the 85,000-seat Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Londolo Zungu, 49, in traditional Zulu dress, was among the women at the party. “We are very happy, more than happy, we support the king 100 percent,” she told AFP.

Khaya Ndwandwe, a Zulu historian, said at the stadium that the government’s recognition of the new king as “the true king of the Zulu people” means “now the king will be more than protected”.

“It’s a big day for the Zulu nation. It is a day of great joy for the Zulu people, for everyone,” Ndwandwe said.

The ceremony was continuously broadcast live by all of South Africa’s major television stations and media.

A long gray feather protruded from the king’s hair, while a bundle of black feathers was arranged on the back of his head as he sat on a throne covered in leopard skin.

Head of the Anglican Church in South Africa Archbishop Thabo Makgoba dabbed holy oil on the King’s hands, face and head as the crowd looked on.

“As you begin your reign as king of what is internationally recognized as one of the greatest nations in Africa, I believe you are called to step up and emulate the highest traditions of your ancestors,” Makgoba said.

Among the delegates was King Mswati III of Africa’s last absolute monarchy, Eswatini, who is also an uncle of the new Zulu king.

Zulu kings are descendants of King Shaka, the 19th-century leader who was still revered for having united much of the country as a Zulu nation that fought bloody battles against the British colonizers.

King Zwelithini, who died after more than 50 years in office, left behind six wives and at least 28 children.

Misuzulu is the first son of Zwelithini’s third wife, whom he named regent in his will.

However, the queen died suddenly a month after Zwelithini, leaving a will naming Misuzulu as the next king – a development not well received by other family members.

The new monarch’s first name means ‘strengthening of the Zulus’, but his path to the crown was not smooth.