By Sunday News Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s cultural group AbakwaMzilikazi recently witnessed a high-level strategic meeting convened by the AmaZulu monarch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, where two major royal appointments were announced.
During the meeting held in Durban on April 9, King Misuzulu officially appointed Inkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi as Chairperson of the King’s Council of the Zulu Kingdom and Prince Thulani Zulu as the spokesperson for both the Zulu Royal Family and the Zulu Kingdom.
Inkosi Buthelezi is the son of the late Zulu Prime Minister, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, while Prince Thulani Zulu previously served as the spokesperson to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.
In a statement released by the king’s office, the appointments were described as “formalised during a ceremonial signing in Durban”, and aimed at strengthening the traditional leadership structure of the Zulu Kingdom.
Chief Thulani Mgoqo Jubane, Chairperson of AbakwaMzilikazi, expressed gratitude for the invitation and praised the king’s appointments.
“As Zimbabweans, we are honoured to have witnessed such a significant meeting. It is well known that we share deep-rooted ties with the Zulu Kingdom,” said Chief Jubane.
“When the King was coronated, he emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations among Africans. As Africans, he is our King, and we will always follow his guidance to build a better Africa.”
Chief Jubane congratulated the newly appointed officials, expressing confidence in their leadership.
“We congratulate those who have been entrusted with these key responsibilities. We have previously worked well with Prince Thulani Zulu, and we are excited to continue that collaboration. We also commend Inkosi Buthelezi on his appointment. As a Member of Parliament and a seasoned leader, we believe he will execute his duties with excellence.”
As a token of goodwill, Chief Jubane presented a symbolic gift to King Misuzulu, signifying the enduring bond between Zimbabwe and the Zulu Kingdom.
AbakwaMzilikazi, which honours King Mzilikazi as a Doyen of Unity, is committed to fostering harmony among Zimbabweans living in South Africa, while also promoting unity with South African citizens.
“We believe in unity among Zimbabweans in South Africa, but also in broader African solidarity,” Chief Jubane said.
“Our forefathers lived without borders and worked together for progress before colonisation divided us. Today, unity remains key to our development.”
Under the leadership of the late King Zwelithini, Chief Jubane has for years organised annual end-of-year cultural festivals aimed at promoting national unity and celebrating Africa’s cultural diversity.
These events have been praised by various traditional leaders for bringing together Zimbabweans and South Africans in a spirit of cooperation and shared identity.
Induna uNdwandwe of KwaZulu described Chief Jubane as “a visionary leader and an important figure in society,” and encouraged Zimbabweans in South Africa to remain steadfast in unity, with culture serving as a foundation for togetherness.
