President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed the government to collaborating with King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to improve the lives of the people and transform rural regions into places of prosperity and development.
Saturday, President Ramaphosa stated, “Our traditional leaders are the guardians of the cultures, practices, and traditions that make us who we are.”
He was speaking at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, during a ceremony to present a certificate of recognition to the King of the Zulu nation, His Majesty Misuzulu KaZwelithini.
President Ramaphosa gave the certificate to His Majesty earlier this year, and in compliance with a request from the Royal Family, he presented the certificate formally at today’s ceremony.
“I do so in accordance with our Constitution, which affirms the role of our monarchs.” Today, we are here to witness a new era in AmaZulu history.” We pray that the reign of His Majesty will be long and glorious. May the Almighty direct your hands. “May your reign be one of justice, kindness, peace, and unity. Your people look to you, Your Majesty, Hlanga Lomhlabathi, to lead them into a glorious new future. It is a weighty but illustrious responsibility, said President Ramaphosa.
The President stated that King Misuzulu holds the Zulu nation together.
“You are the most recent in a long line of great kings who have faced many challenges over the centuries, and today we face many challenges as well. Millions of our people are unemployed and living in poverty. Our communities are devastated by substance abuse, crime, and the mistreatment of women, children, and the elderly. Many of our rural areas are plagued by inadequate services and unemployment. Land reform remains a significant issue.
“As government at the municipal, provincial, and national levels, we continue to implement a number of interventions to address all of these concerns, and we shall look to you, Your Majesty, to assist us in addressing the daily problems our people face.”
President Ramaphosa stated that King Misuzulu is a respected and trusted leader of the people. “A leader who rules with compassion and kindness, particularly towards the most vulnerable, is admired.
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube spoke at the ceremony and remarked that this is the day that the province can finally put behind them the anguish they felt as a nation when they lost their beloved King Zwelithini and the Regent Queen Mantfombi in quick succession.
“Today, we turn a significant page, a new chapter in an enthralling book that contains the great stories of our kingdom. Dube-Ncube stated, “We embark on this thrilling adventure as a nation, in which we participate in the ascension to the throne of King Misuzulu.”
Dube-Ncube stated that the province’s expectations for a prosperous future are heightened today, as King Misuzulu ascends the throne to continue being the light that shines the collective future of the people.
“You are the hope and father of the Zulu people, regardless of their political or religious inclinations.” We are very appreciative that Your Majesty is following in the footsteps of his late father by preaching unity among the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
“The province administration will continue to honor the throne by giving the Royal Family and the institution of traditional leadership with all the required assistance,” she stated.
As many did not see the coronation of the late King Zwelithini more than 50 years ago, today was the first occasion for many to witness a certificate-handing ceremony.
Duduzile Nkabinde, who traveled from Port Shepstone, stated to SAnews that she would not have missed today’s important event.
“I desired to observe the President and King seated together. This is not something we see or experience every day,” Nkabinde stated.
Mthokozisi Nkambule stated that today’s ritual will be remembered for many years to come and will be relayed to future generations.
“Kings are essential to every nation. They are guardians of our traditions and customs. A nation without a monarch is comparable to lost sheep.”
The certificate transfer ceremony of the ninth AmaZulu King occurs after King Misuzulu ascended to the throne following the deaths of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini Zulu, in March of last year and Regent Queen Mantfombini Dlamini in 2021.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recognized Misuzulu as the incoming King of the Zulu nation after consulting with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the then-Premier of KwaZulu-Natal.
At today’s ceremony, Cabinet Ministers, politicians, and foreign dignitaries were present.