South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has recognised Prince Misuzulu Sinqobile Zulu as the official Zulu king.

He has not yet been crowned because of tensions in the royal family, but this nod means that King-elect Misuzulu is one big step closer to officially taking the throne.

Traditional leaders are elected based on age-old customs in South Africa but the person chosen as king has to be recognised by a president to be accepted as valid.

The assumption of the throne by His Majesty King Misuzulu Zulu is a moment of great significance in the proud and distinguished history of AmaZulu. pic.twitter.com/59eDTgkm51

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 16, 2022

Prince Misuzulu, 46, is set to succeed the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, whose death last year triggered a power struggle in the family of six wives and at least 20 children he left behind.

Some family members had openly voiced their disapproval of Prince Misuzulu's rise to the throne and went to court to oppose his coronation.

But the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled earlier this month that the coronation could go ahead.

In a statement, President Ramaphosa said he had made the decision after consultations with the minister in charge of traditional affairs and provincial leaders.