The Zulu royal family is furious that ordinary people are wearing leopard skin at weddings and traditional ceremonies when it should be reserved only for royals, writes Celani Sikhakane in his Royal Mzansi column.

The leopard skin has caused major controversy as royal family members complain that anyone can now wear it while it’s a cultural symbol meant only for the king, queens and royal children.

Princess Bukhosimvelo kaZwelithini says leaders of the Zulu nation must take a stand and tell the public to stop breaking royal protocol.

“We are really worried about people who are breaking the royal protocol by wearing the leopard skin. This is a special symbol of being a member of the royal family,” said Princess Bukhosimvelo of kwaKhangela Amankengane Royal Palace.

“As we speak ours was given to us with my sister Princess Ntando by our late father King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.”

The leopard skin is worn by the king, queens and royal family members who are children of the sitting king. But it’s becoming normal for commoners to use it at their events.

Scrolla.Africa spoke with royal family members who made it clear this is wrong for anyone not from the royal court.

They said leopard skin is a royal symbol and no one except royals is allowed to wear it.

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has both lion and leopard skin. He killed a lion as part of the traditional Ukungena Esibayeni (entering the kraal) ritual, which is a significant ceremony for a new Zulu monarch.

This ritual demonstrates the king’s power and authority, and it’s a long-standing tradition for an incoming Zulu king to kill a lion.

The royal family wants urgent action to stop commoners from disrespecting their sacred traditions.

Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s siblings Prince Bambindlovu, Princess Bukhosimvelo, Princess Nomkhosi and Princess Ntandoyesizwe kaZwelithini wearing leopard skin.

Image source: Instagram