King Goodwill Zwelithini commits himself to development

King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu has committed himself to doubling his efforts in campaigning for community development.

He made this commitment during a ceremony to celebrate 40 years as monarch held in Ondini Cultural Museum in Ulundi on Saturday, 27 August 2011.

The event was attended by communities from the Zululand District, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader and member of the royal family Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi, amakhosi, izinduna, amabutho from across the province Zululand District mayor Zanele Magwaza-Msibi and other dignitaries.

The event marked the start of ceremonies which will be held across the province to celebrate Isilo’s 40th anniversary.

King Goodwill Zwelithini has been an ardent campaigner for the well-being of his subjects through various programs including the fight against poverty, HIV and AIDS, the promotion of education and the revival of age old customs that have seen the Zulu nation earning the respect of many nations.

His recent campaign in the fight against HIV infection has seen him revive the custom of male circumcision, which helps reduce the risk of infection.

Isilo – the eighth Zulu monarch- has also done a lot of work internationally to promotion of KwaZulu-Natal as a tourism destination.

In his address, Isilo pleaded with Dr Mkhize to ensure that all celebrations to be held in his honour have a strong element of service delivery.

"People are dying of hunger and live in poverty. We have to make sure that these communities are helped to rise above their situations," said Isilo.

His Majesty had words of advice for members of the Zulu nation, saying being Zulu means unity, love, respect for all of God’s creation, respecting all cultures and religions and working with dedication to uplift the Zulu nation.

Isilo also thanked all those who have partnered with him in community and charitable works from political leaders, community based organisations, religious leaders, leaders in business and traditional leaders.

"I would like to inform all gathered here that I am prepared to continue playing a role in uplifting our nation. I want to emphasise that from this point on, I am going to deal directly with issues of bringing development to rural communities," he said.

Dr Mkhize said this province has been blessed with the leadership of Isilo, who displayed great wisdom in dealing with many challenges that have faced this province.

For more information, contact:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Premier’s Spokesperson
Cell: 082 375 4742
E-mail: sibiyand@premier.kzntl.gov.za(link sends email)
Province

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