Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu honoured for his humanitarian contributions at 50th birthday
SERVICE
Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, received the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’s (Cogta) humanitarian award from Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the KZN MEC for Cogta, left, and Velenkosini Hlabisa, the National Minister for Cogta.
Image: Supplied
BUSINESSMAN and philanthropist, Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, was honoured by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) for his humanitarian contributions at his 50th birthday celebrations on Saturday.
Mabheka Zulu received the department’s humanitarian award from the KZN MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and the National Minister for Cogta, Velenkosini Hlabisa, at the event at the Bon Hotel in Richards Bay.
In a statement, Cogta said the award acknowledged Mabheka Zulu's dedication to selfless service, through which he had implemented tangible improvements in the lives of many people across KwaZulu-Natal.
“His initiatives have focused on supporting vulnerable populations and promoting community stability.”
Speaking at the event, Buthelezi also noted Mabheka Zulu’s loyalty to the legacy of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The event was also attended by senior members of the Zulu Royal Household, together with government officials and business leaders.
Mabheka Zulu, Africa's first Indian-origin Zulu prince, told the POST he was humbled by receiving the award.
“I dedicate this award to my Divine Master Sri Swami Sivananda and Swami Sahajananda who have taught me how to serve humanity. This clearly indicates that we have a responsibility to build a nation going forward, and ensuring that social cohesion reaches every corner of our country. Furthermore, through promoting yoga we can achieve peace, togetherness and oneness.”
A documentary - From Indenture to Royalty - chronicling the journey of Mabheka Zulu also premiered at the event. It highlighted his role in bridging cultural divides and his decades of humanitarian work in the proviince.
Mabheka Zulu who was adopted by the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, has 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.