DUNDEE KZN: Passing of King Goodwill prompts debate over role of Royalty
"If he didn't have the back-up of his Zulu nation, he wouldn't have been respected by government and other nations"
The shocking passing of King Goodwill Zwelithini two weeks ago has robbed the Zulu nation of a man who led the province through the tumultuous 1980s and early 1990s, when political violence between the IFP and UDF was at its height.
The king’s dignity and leadership has been widely recognised, going a long way to help quell the violence. King Goodwill was a regular visitor to Dundee. Firstly, to meet up with his great friends: the late George Mathas, who ran the Seafood Cabin Restaurant in Dundee, and Charlie Adalis (who also passed on last week); and to attend the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Isandlwana every January. President Cyril Ramaphosa was one of many dignitaries who attended the memorial service of King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo royal palace in Nongoma on March 18.
Royalty in the modern era
Speaking to the Courier after the service, Princess Nkosazana Nikiwe MaNgxabane Bhabhanomhlehlo Bam of the Mpondomise Kingdom, Eastern Cape – who is also the founder and president of African Young Indigenous Leaders – gave her thoughts on the role of royalty in the modern era.
“Today, royals are perceived as custodians of culture and heritage. The role of monarchs and indigenous rulers is governance, preservation of culture and heritage, leading their nations, guiding the people on self identity, spirituality, creation of wealth, humanity moral, and ethics.
Their role can’t be compared with political roles, as politicians should be administrators who serve the monarchs up to the local levels. “His Highness, King Goodwill, promoted and preserved the culture and heritage of his people. He took the batton from the warriors who are his ancestors, and continued to lead and govern his nation. We have seen how he was vocal on issues of land, corrupt government and also on societal issues. He was a king above the government structures and his demands were met.
This is because of the unity of his people and the power bestowed on him. If he didn’t have the back-up of his Zulu nation, he wouldn’t have been respected by government and other nations.
“We wish for unity in all monarchs, and our kings to advocate for peace and restoration of power. We don’t want leaders who abuse that power, but those who use it for the development of communities, transformation of the economy, and preservation of culture and heritage.”
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