King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu has committed himself to doubling his efforts in campaigning for community development.
He made this commitment during a ceremony to celebrate 40 years as monarch held in Ondini Cultural Museum in Ulundi on Saturday (27 August 2011)
The event was attended by communities from the Zululand District, KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize, IFP leader and member of the royal family Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi, amakhosi, izinduna, amabutho from across the province Zululand District mayor Zanele Magwaza-Msibi and other dignitaries.
The event marked the start of ceremonies which will be held across the province to celebrate Isilo’s 40th anniversary.
King Goodwill Zwelithini has been an ardent campaigner for the well-being of his subjects through various programs including the fight against poverty, HIV and Aids, the promotion of education and the revival of age old customs that have seen the Zulu nation earning the respect of many nations.
His recent campaign in the fight against HIV infection has seen him revive the custom of male circumcision, which helps reduce the risk of infection.
Isilo – the eighth Zulu monarch- has also done a lot of work internationally to promotion of KwaZulu-Natal as a tourism destination.
In his address, Isilo pleaded with Dr Mkhize to ensure that all celebrations to be held in his honour have a strong element of service delivery.
People are dying of hunger and live in poverty. We have to make sure that these communities are helped to rise above their situations,” said Isilo.
His Majesty had words of advice for members of the Zulu nation, saying being Zulu means unity, love, respect for all of God’s creation, respecting all cultures and religions and working with dedication to uplift the Zulu nation.
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Isilo also thanked all those who have partnered with him in community and charitable works; from political leaders, community based organizations, religious leaders, leaders in business and traditi
South Africa’s longest reigning monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini has passed away in hospital aged 72.
His death follows his admission to hospital two weeks ago to be treated for his diabetes.
Despite being King to the Zulus, he had no official power in today’s modern South Africa. He was the leader of 11 million Zulus, the largest ethnic group in South Africa, who strongly believe in ancestral spirits, who come in the form of illness or misfortune.
King Goodwill Zwelithini was born on 14th July 1948 and ascended to the throne in 1971 aged 20, following the passing of his late father.
Despite leading successfully for over five decades, many viewed him as a controversial King, due to his views on homosexuality and women. He was known to have revived traditions such as male circumcision in order to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in 2009. The practice of male circumcision was formerly banned by a previous King because of the healing time and process, which caused many of the military to be unable to fight.
In response to the passing of their King, his government announced that all planned activities for the day would be cancelled.
In a statement released by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi on behalf of the royal family, they thanked the nation for their ‘continued prayers and support in this most difficult time’.
King Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulus leaves behind 6 wives and 28 children.
Brooke Heneghan
Featured image courtesy of Reinhardth via Wikimedia Commons. Image licence found here. No changes have been made to this image.
