PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa says the late King Goodwill Zwelithini will be remembered for his role in bringing peace and stability to KwaZulu-Natal during the civil war-scale political conflict in the 80s and early 90s.
Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at the official memorial service for the late king at the Khethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
“During the tumultuous period of political transition in this country, he played a significant role in the achievement of democracy. The king will be remembered for his role in bringing peace and stability to KwaZulu-Natal during the difficult times our country went through,” Ramaphosa said.
“He abhorred violence and its consequences. As the country moved toward democracy, he called for an end to political killings, travelling around the country to encourage people to resort to peaceful means of resolving conflicts. His majesty was a man who believed that the pursuit of violence is ethically and morally wrong.”
One of the longest-serving monarch of the Zulu nation, Zwelithini, 72, passed away last week from COVID-related complications while being treated for diabetes at a Durban hospital.
He was laid to rest on Wednesday night at a private occasion attended by men only.
Ramaphosa said King Zwelithini will also be remembered as the staunchest defender of his people who advanced their culture, customs, traditions, and a deep sense of identity and nationhood.
“It is a difficult day because a huge tree has fallen. Our nation is indeed in mourning. It was with the heaviest of hearts that we received the news last week that our beloved leader and king after a courageous struggle succumbed to the deadly disease that has taken the lives of so many people,” Ramaphosa said.
“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.”
- Inside Politics
