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SA President’s warm tribute to Zulu King

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER

SOUTH African President has paid a tribute to the late monarch of the Amazulu nation, King Goodwill Zwelithini as a staunchest defender of his people who advanced their culture, their customs, their traditions and a deep sense of identity and nationhood.

Delivering the official eulogy at a memorial service held hours after the King’s burial, Ramaphosa said the Amazulu monarch was celebrated across our beloved continent Africa because he valued diversity and respected the cultures of other kingdoms and nations.

The President said King Zwelithini played a significant role in South Africa’s road to democracy, particularly during the tumultuous period of political transition in the country.

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“The King will be remembered for his role in bringing peace and stability to KwaZulu-Natal during the difficult times our country went through. As a leader, he preached peace and unity. He abhorred violence and its consequences.  As the country moved towards democracy, he called for an end to political killings, travelling around the country meeting and encouraging people to resort to peaceful means of resolving conflict.

“At some point as he sought to deal with the problem of violence – he said: ‘Who will I lead if all my father’s people are killing each other?’ His Majesty was a man who believed that the pursuit of violence is ethically and morally wrong.  His Majesty was one of our most revered traditional leaders.

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“As one of the elders of our country, his advice was regularly sought by leaders of different political persuasions, including myself. I remember with fondness the long and in depth conversations I had with him on everything from rearing cattle, agriculture, leadership, culture including international matters. Being in his presence was a rare privilege. He always exuded Warmth, wisdom and love for the people of South Africa and the entire continent. His Majesty was a champion of development and progress. He was a great visionary and had deep insights on how best to develop our country and its people.”

Ramaphosa said King Zwelithini also worked for better health for his subjects, leading, from the front, in the fight against HIV, AIDS and TB.

“He founded the Bayede Trust, which has worked to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS throughout the province.  He encouraged responsible behaviour especially amongst young people. He challenged the international community to avail more funding against the AIDS pandemic and the South African government to provide treatment to our people.

“Let it be clearly understood that moral courage was one of his noblest virtues.  He encouraged young people to be safe from sexually transmitted diseases, from substance abuse and from premature parenthood.”

The late King, who ruled over 12-million Amazulu for five decades, was buried at dawn today in an area called “The Valley of Kings”, in KwaNongoma, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, a week after he died from diabetes complication and Covid-19.

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Thousands of traditional clad men, members of Amabutho – regiments – and bare chested maidens, lined up the streets of Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal to bid farewell to King Zwelithini.

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By The African Mirror

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