King Zwelithini turns 63
ZULU monarch Goodwill Zwelithini, who yesterday celebrated his 63rd birthday, has been described as a "unifier" by KwaZulu-Natal premier and ANC chairperson Zweli Mkhize.
Zwelithini was born on July 27 1948 at Nongoma and is the eldest son of King Cyprian and his second wife, Queen Thomo. The queen died when Zwelithini was a toddler and her remains were reburied three months ago after Zwelithini had asked the government to help him find the remains.
Zwelithini ascended to the throne in 1971 at the age of 23.
This year will be his 40th anniversary on the throne.
Mkhize said: "The king has served the people of KwaZulu-Natal with dedication, commitment and integrity. Despite challenges over many years under the apartheid regime, the king displayed his leadership role with distinction. He has continued to inspire the people of KwaZulu-Natal to work hard and has constantly advocated the creation of a compassionate, caring society."
Mkhize said Zwelithini had promoted the values of honesty, tolerance, justice and respect across diverse communities, cultures and religious groups.
"He played a strong role in building bridges of peace, promoting reconciliation and unity. He displayed his outstanding role as leader when he stood above party-political loyalty and called for the end of political intolerance."
Mkhize pays tribute to Zulu monarch on birthday
King Zwelithini turns 63
ZULU monarch Goodwill Zwelithini, who yesterday celebrated his 63rd birthday, has been described as a "unifier" by KwaZulu-Natal premier and ANC chairperson Zweli Mkhize.
Zwelithini was born on July 27 1948 at Nongoma and is the eldest son of King Cyprian and his second wife, Queen Thomo. The queen died when Zwelithini was a toddler and her remains were reburied three months ago after Zwelithini had asked the government to help him find the remains.
Zwelithini ascended to the throne in 1971 at the age of 23.
This year will be his 40th anniversary on the throne.
Mkhize said: "The king has served the people of KwaZulu-Natal with dedication, commitment and integrity. Despite challenges over many years under the apartheid regime, the king displayed his leadership role with distinction. He has continued to inspire the people of KwaZulu-Natal to work hard and has constantly advocated the creation of a compassionate, caring society."
Mkhize said Zwelithini had promoted the values of honesty, tolerance, justice and respect across diverse communities, cultures and religious groups.
"He played a strong role in building bridges of peace, promoting reconciliation and unity. He displayed his outstanding role as leader when he stood above party-political loyalty and called for the end of political intolerance."
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