Online Reporter
Correspondent
THE president of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, has endorsed the decision by the Zulu Royal Family to deploy Chief Thulani Jubane as an envoy to Zimbabwe.
Chief Khumalo, described the decision as a strategic step towards reconnecting communities across Southern Africa that share deep historical and ancestral ties.
“We commend the Zulu Royal Family for deploying Chief Thulani Jubane as an envoy to Zimbabwe. This is not just an ordinary gesture, but a significant development towards reuniting communities that share ancestry, culture, and heritage,” he said.
Chief Jubane was endorsed by the Zulu Royal Family for the role as an envoy to Zimbabwe. The deployment of Chief Jubane is aimed at strengthening relations between the Zulu Royal Family and Zimbabwe, in honour of the lineage of King Mzilikazi kaMashobane.
Chief Khumalo said the initiative is based on a common heritage shared by the entire region.
“Communities in Southern Africa are bonded together by a shared history that is older than modern-day states. Such initiatives will go a long way in strengthening unity, social cohesion, and mutual respect among African nations,” he said.
“The move is based on a very progressive idea that seeks to restore the importance of traditional leadership in diplomacy. This is a forward-thinking initiative that recognises the importance of traditional systems of governance and diplomacy in shaping the continent.”
Chief Khumalo urged the Zulu Royal Family to take things a step further by engaging with the Government of Zimbabwe and creating a formal process for diplomatic relations.
“We urge the Zulu Royal Family to go an extra mile and officially dispatch a delegation to engage the people of Zimbabwe in a constructive manner,” he said.
“This approach will make sure that there are sustained, institutionalised relationships that are of benefit to both parties.”
In addition to endorsing Chief Thulani Jubane as the Zulu envoy, the Zulu Royal Family said they were open to dialogue and cooperation with the Government of Zimbabwe on matters relating to culture and heritage, as well as the welfare of communities on both sides.
According to a statement issued on behalf of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini by Prince Thulani Zulu, Chief Jubane has been mandated by the king to foster unity and harmony between the Zulu nation and the descendants of King Mzilikazi.
“The Zulu and Ndebele nations have blood ties and kinship and we are ready to sit down with the Government of Zimbabwe to discuss matters that affect us all,” he said.
The chief who has been chosen to represent the king in his duties welcomed the move, saying that it was an honour and a responsibility.
“I accept this mandate with great humility and pride,” said Chief Jubane.
Furthermore, he went on to say that he would be working hard to strengthen the cultural ties between the two nations by ensuring that their history remains their guiding principle.
“My mandate is for me to make sure that our cultures help to bridge our differences and create unity. It will be important to educate younger generations about their history,” said Chief Jubane.
Beyond his new diplomatic role, Chief Jubane has been actively involved in promoting cultural cohesion through initiatives such as Inhlangazonke and AbakwaMzilikazi cultural organisations, which unite Zimbabweans living in South Africa around shared heritage.
He has also played a key role in facilitating the participation of Zulu Royal Family representatives at major cultural events, including the recent iMiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival in Nkayi.
