The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has presented Certificate of recognition to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
According to the Presidency Statement, the certificate recognises His Majesty King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini as the King of the AmaZulu in terms of Section 8(1) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, No.3 of 2019.
In his address, the South African President urged the Majesty to work with the Government to address the problems the people are facing on a daily basis, adding that Govt have been making several interventions to address all challenges.
According to him, “Millions of our people are unemployed and live in poverty. Substance abuse, crime and the abuse of women, children and the elderly are devastating our communities. Many of our rural areas suffer from poor services and lack of jobs. Land reform remains a huge problem”.
Ramaphosa eulogized the Monarch, described him as a leader who enjoys the respect and confidence of the people. “A leader who takes responsibility for their decisions is trusted by the people. A leader that governs with compassion and kindness, especially to the most vulnerable, is loved.
“You have picked up the mighty spear that has fallen. May your steady hand guide and bring stability to the kingship of Amazulu.
“I have no doubt that with the support of the Royal Family you will lead the process to unite the community and all abaNtwana baseNdlunkulu. Under your wise leadership may the Kingdom reach new heights of development, progress, and peace”, he said.
Reflecting on this historic moment for AmaZulu, for KwaZulu-Natal, for South Africa and for the continent, the President recalled the words from the epic poem ‘Emperor Shaka the Great’ by usolwazi uMasizi Kunene.
“Only through our knowledge of our great past. Can we acquire courage and wisdom. Over many centuries, this brave nation stood firm against foreign invaders.
“Here in KwaZulu-Natal, on the plains of Isandlwana 143 years ago, AmaZulu waged an epic battle in defence of their land and their freedom. It is a history of which the people of this province and our entire continent can be proud”, he said.
Ramaphosa said he commit his government to working with the Majesty to change the lives of the people and to transform the rural areas into places of development and prosperity.
“I do so to recognise that our traditional leaders are the custodians of the cultures, customs, traditions that make us who we are”, South African President said.