Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has praised the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu as a leader who fought for social justice and ensured that this reign was peaceful.
Speaking at the king of the Zulus funeral service in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, Buthelezi said the king had reigned with honour just like his predecessors.
“His reign saw no wars. No warriors were sent by him into a battle. Yet he reigned through one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history. He was always a king at war and his warriors were always in battle whether we were fighting against poverty or ignorance or diseases or social justice…His reign will be remembered as a reign of peace," Buthelezi said.
“When we tell our children the history of this great nation…we will say his majesty King Shaka built an empire. His majesty King Dingane safeguarded the nation’s assets against invaders. His majesty King Mpande defused confrontations through negotiations. King Cetshwayo saw victory at Isandlwana fighting to preserve our sovereignty. King Dinizulu defeated attempts to conquer our spirit. King Solomon fought to resurrect our unity. King Cyprian opposed the apartheid regime and King Zwelithini prepared us to survive the coming storm of inequality and environmental distress.”
King Goodwill Zwelithini was buried during the night on Wednesday in a private burial by the royal family. He died on March 12 at the age of 72 after being in hospital for several weeks for diabetes.
He had contracted Covid-19 during his hospitalisation at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban, the SABC reported citing confirmation from the royal family.
President Cyril Ramaphosa gave a resounding eulogy at the funeral service which was attended by several members of his cabinet, political and business leaders. He said God granted King Zwelithini longevity and his people reaped the benefits thereof.
“He told us to tilt our land and plant our fields. He told us to produce food so that our families would be fed and our communities survive. This showed great foresight in the gathering storm of economic crisis,” he said.
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