Watch: new documentary 'From Indenture to Royalty' celebrates Africa's first Indian-origin Zulu Prince
50th birthday celebrations
Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, Africa’s first Indian-origin Zulu prince.
Image: Supplied
A NEW documentary chronicling the extraordinary journey of Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, Africa's first Indian-origin Zulu prince, premieres this Saturday to coincide with his 50th birthday celebrations.
From Indenture to Royalty highlights his role in bridging cultural divides and his decades of humanitarian work across KwaZulu-Natal.
Produced by Ryan Logie Productions in collaboration with India’s Zee TV, the documentary will be screened at the Bon Hotel in Richards Bay.
“We are thrilled to launch this documentary honouring Prince Mabheka Zulu’s remarkable life and legacy,” said Logie and Zee TV in a statement.
“His journey is a testament to resilience, service, and the power of unity. It is deeply South African; a story of healing, identity, and hope.”
Mabheka Zulu, the newly- elected Africa co-ordinator of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International), said he was overwhelmed by the documentary, more especially when one looked back from where we have come from and where we are.
"We can only give thanks and appreciate our forebears, my parents, my swami and my king because we have travelled a long journey based on selfless service building a nation, promoting social cohesion, and oneness among everyone. In that light, we pay homage to all those who walked with us along the path for the past 50 years and we can only give thanks and praise the Almighty. I also give thanks to my divine masters, Swami Sahajananda and Swami Sivananda, for their spiritual guiance throughout my life."
Adopted by the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, Prince Mabheka Zulu become a symbol of shared identity and reconciliation. His humanitarian work, including the internationally recognised Sivananda Peace Pillars, has strengthened bonds between Zulu and Indian communities and advanced the values of peace, dignity, and collective upliftment across KwaZulu‑Natal.
From Indenture to Royalty traces Prince Mabheka Zulu's journey from his ancestral heritage to his adoption into Zulu royalty, highlighting his decades‑long commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, yoga, and grassroots development.
The documentary reflects South Africa’s broader narrative: honouring the past, celebrating present unity, and envisioning a future shaped by compassion and community.
In the lead-up to the documentary's release, tributes have poured in from various dignitaries, including KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and Dr Thomas Abraham, founding chairman of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International).
They have described the documentary as a “rare symbol of shared identity and reconciliation in modern South Africa” to “Prince Ishwar’s work reminds us that unity is not an ideal - it is a daily practice.”