Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu with King Goodwill Zwelithini Ka-BhekuZulu.
Image: Supplied
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini Ka-BhekuZulu during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a tribute, Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu penned a messaged, recalling the "greatness of His Majesty".
"Today as I pen this tribute, it pains me deeply in my heart that His Majesty is no more and that His absence is felt in all corners of this country, especially during the challenging times in our country. I cherish every moment spent with His Majesty during his lifetime as a blessing and recall every moment with His Majesty till the very last days.
"Today, we sit back and look at His life and how he skilfully and diplomatically managed to foster good relations across the world. King Zwelithini Goodwill ka-Bhekuzulu, rest now in peace, Great King of Africa, an alchemist of African greatness. We celebrate you today."
He wrote that Zwelithini Ka-BhekuZulu would be remembered as a much-loved, visionary monarch who made an important contribution to cultural identity, national unity and economic development in KwaZulu-Natal and through this, to the development of South Africa.
"For nearly five decades, His Majesty served as the custodian of Zulu heritage, culture, and unity. Ascending the throne in 1971, he became the longest-reigning Zulu king, guiding millions of his people through a period of immense political transformation in South Africa. Through the turbulent years of apartheid and the hopeful dawn of democracy, King Zwelithini remained a towering symbol of cultural pride and traditional leadership.
"His Majesty championed the preservation of Zulu customs and traditions. The annual Umkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance) and Umkhosi Wokweshwama (First Fruits Ceremony) flourished under his patronage, becoming internationally recognised cultural events that celebrated identity, discipline and nationhood.Beyond tradition, the King was a vocal advocate for rural development, land rights and economic empowerment for his people. Through his leadership of the Ingonyama Trust, he sought to protect vast tracts of communal land for the benefit of Zulu communities while encouraging sustainable development."
Mabheka Zulu said his passing marked the end of an era - leaving a profound sense of loss across KZN and South Africa.
"Yet his legacy endures in the pride of the Zulu nation, the vibrancy of its cultural institutions, and the continued respect accorded to traditional leadership within the country’s democratic framework.
"As we mark this fifth anniversary, we remember His Majesty not only as a monarch but as a cultural guardian, a unifying figure, and a steadfast advocate for the dignity of his people. His memory continues to inspire a new generation of leaders across the world ."May the legacy of His majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, remain etched in the history of our nation, a reminder of the power of tradition, identity and leadership rooted in service to the people."
Mabheka Zulu wrote that he saluted a "king of peace", a "real king of goodwill" and a "humble king who was the beacon of hope for the world"