Ramaphosa on King Zwelithini: ‘We’ve lost a revered leader’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, reflecting on strides he managed to make during his five-decade-long reign.

Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at the King’s memorial service at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in KwaNongoma, KwaZulu-Natal.

“The passing of his Majesty means that we have lost a revered leader who had the distinction of leading the Zulu people for half a century. The significance of his long reign and his legacy is not lost on us,” Ramaphosa said.

The president has lauded King Zwelithini for achieving stability and harmony within the Zulu kingdom.

“It was during the course of his reign, that his people – alongside all the people of our nation – realised their dream of freedom from the injustices of colonialism and apartheid. And it was during his reign that the decades of dispossession – and the wilful destruction of our knowledge and economic systems, culture and governance institutions – came to an end,” Ramaphosa further said.

Ramaphosa: King Zwelithini helped us achieve democracy

The president said the King will be remembered for being the staunchest defender of his people. He added that King Zwelithini not only defended and advanced the interests of the Zulu people but also their culture, customs and traditions.

“He is celebrated across our beloved continent Africa because he valued diversity and respected the cultures of other kingdoms and nations. During the tumultuous period of political transition in this country, he played a significant role in the achievement of democracy,” Ramaphosa said.

He has further praised the King for being part of the fight against several key social issues, including the scourge of gender-based violence and the fight against HIV/AIDS, to name but a few.

“Let it be clearly understood that moral courage was one of his noblest virtues. He encouraged young people to be safe from sexually transmitted diseases, from substance abuse and from premature parenthood,” Ramaphosa said.

The president also spoke of how the King spearheaded a programme aimed at reintroducing male circumcision, as a way to prevent the further spread of diseases.

“Today, we have thousands of young men undergoing safe medical circumcision, a practice that had been suspended by iLembe because he needed men to be ready for battle,” Ramaphosa said.