Zwelithini is the only Zulu monarch to rule for more than four decades and has lived longer than any of his predecessors

DURING his 40-year reign Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has seen it all - the fighting that decimated hundreds of young men in his kingdom as the IFP and the ANC fought for political supremacy - and an ever-growing budget to cover his sizeable family.

At the weekend the Zulu nation converged on Ulundi Stadium to celebrate Zwelithini's reign.

The colourful celebration was organised by the Zululand district municipality led by mayor Zanele Magwaza-Msibi.

The event was attended by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and other traditional leaders and mayors.

Magwaza-Msibi said the council agreed to spend about R600,000 on the king's 40th anniversary and would erect a giant statue to honour him and the role he has played for the nation.

"We are grateful to God for keeping our king for such a long time and we were lucky that he reached this time while we are part of the local government," she said.

The 63-year-old monarch has been pampered by people in his kingdom, including the government, but he has also suffered.

As a leader of one of the biggest nations in Africa, Zwelithini had a bumpy ride presiding over the historical nation, which took up arms against white colonialism at various times with mixed results.

Installed at the age of 23 as a result of in-fighting within the royal family, Zwelithini played the role of peacemaker during the political violence that claimed many of his people. Succeeding his father, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu ka Solomon, has not been an easy journey.

Zwelithini is the only Zulu monarch to rule for more than four decades and has lived longer than any of his predecessors.

The legendary King Shaka, who formed the Zulu nation in the 1800s, ruled for only 12 years.

A recent challenge threatening his throne was a failed attempt to overthrow him.But he emerged victorious as the commission set up by former president Thabo Mbeki's government declared him the absolute monarch.

In a bold decision Zwelithini recently refused to sign a document in support of embattled Libyan president Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Financing the Zulu monarch's lifestyle has always proved a challenge as the department of the Royal Household tasked with overseeing that the royal family does not overspend its budget.

In 2009 the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA said Zwelithini's budget exceeded the combined budget of SA's other 13 royal families. Zwelithini's budget was more than R80million in 2009 and 2010.

Zwelithini's task was to lead and unify the province which suffered intense political violence between the ANC and IFP.

Another controversy that shook his reign involved his impregnating his sixth queen, Zola Mafu of Swaziland, whom he has yet to marry.

His greatest success is seen by some as his ability to unite Zulus under the banner of peace, stability and prosperity. He has also been credited with strengthening international ties as he travels abroad looking for potential foreign investors.