ColumnsEditor's Note

EDITOR’S NOTE: Lucky to have met King Goodwill Zwelithini in person

By SIHLE MKHIZE

As the nation mourns the passing on of the Zulu King, His Majesty Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, I decided to dedicate this month Editor’s letter to this iconic leader.

I regard myself as one of the luckiest people who had a golden opportunity to meet His Majesty in person.

One day, eThekwini Metro organized a media trip to one of the late King’s royal palaces in Nongoma, north of KZN. On our way, we nearly died on the road as our driver lost control of the bus.

Our destination was Osuthu Royal Palace. This was October 2019 where we were gathered as journalists coming from various districts. I remember that Mxolisi Kaunda had just been appointed as mayor of eThekwini municipality.

On that day mayor Kaunda’s initial purpose was to visit the King with an aim to present himself as newly appointed mayor and also seek guidance and blessings from his Majesty.

As we sat down patiently waiting for the arrival of the King, the feeling was totally different. We would hear Inyosi praising him and when he entered the hall all men stood up as a sign of respect.

All the politicians who attended that gathering rose and saluted the king and continued with their speeches. But when Bhejane Phum’esqiwini stood up the mood completely changed, I believe it is just because his was annointed.

His Majesty spoke about the importance of building a united society with business investors and foreign citizens. He touched this subject because of instable relations between amaZulu and foreign nationals especially in Durban that was raging on at the time.

The King also highlighted division of people who lived in urban areas and those in the rurals. He emphasised that post 1994 all people were under his wing and reminded the journalists and dignitaries that before townships were developed there were only rural areas for all people.

He urged citizens to applaud and respect rural areas as the source of everyone’s life and respect the elders.

I wish I could have been a part of his sending off, but the situation didn’t allow for it. The heavens opened up as he was sent home, a sign that his beloved ancestors had welcomed him. Rest well Bayede!

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