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ZULU King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu is set to visit the mining town of Gwanda at the end of this month to attend the wedding ceremony of a local businessman and a gospel jamboree to be held in the town, Sunday News can exclusively reveal.
The Zulu king comes as part of an eventful weekend which will also see about 102 gospel artistes jetting in from the neighbouring country to perform at a free-of-charge show to be held at Pelandaba Stadium and the official opening of a new 1 000-seater Brethren-in-Christ Church.
King Zwelithini made headlines early this year after he was quoted as having said foreigners must pack up and leave the country, with many alleging that this was what fuelled the xenophobic attacks across South Africa.
An organiser of the event who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that King Zwelithini’s entourage had requested that his coming not be publicised for security purposes.
“It is more of a security matter, which is why when the gospel show was initially announced there was no mention of either the wedding or the coming of King Zwelithini. His delegation requested that we don’t rush to announce his coming as this might have some security risks,” said the organiser.
A local businessman, Mr Justice Maphosa, is said to be funding the king’s visit and the gospel jamboree as part of events that will culminate in his brother, Justin’s wedding. He is further alleged to have been the major funder of the construction of the new church.
The visit by the Zulu king, however, appears to be a closely guarded secret, with organisers all refusing to officially comment or confirm it with sources alleging that a delegation from the country would be meeting King Zwelithini on Tuesday to discuss the logistics of the visit.
However, one of the organisers, Reverend Sipho Mizha revealed that it was their hope that “one of the South African kings” graces the two occasions.
“On that matter we are still doing the logistics, it is highly possible that King Zwelithini will come grace the gospel show and the official opening of the new 1 000-seater Brethren-in-Christ Church.
“Although it is not yet 100 percent confirmed, it is our wish that one of the South African kings be in the town come the weekend of 28 to 30 August,” said Rev Mizha.
He said the organisers were busy ensuring that everything was in place for the functions that are billed to take place at the end of the month.
“As you might know, Gwanda is usually a quiet town. With such events on the cards all eyes will be on us hence the need to ensure that this will be a success. We want to address every logistical issue so that when the weekend arrives we won’t be caught napping,” said Rev Mizha.
He, however, declined to comment on the wedding which King Zwelithini will attend, together with the gospel artistes, saying his main concern was the church function.
“This is strictly a church function, we built the 1 000-seater church and thought it would be nice if we invited these gospel musicians and make it become a bigger event, as for the wedding I would rather not comment,” said Rev Mizha.
Sources close to the organisation of the wedding revealed Justice, chief executive officer of BigTime Strategic Group, was pouring a lot of money into the jamboree — taking care of the King’s delegation, hiring, paying, feeding and accommodating the crew of 102 artistes coming from the neighbouring country.
Justice’s South Africa-based company deals in new generation Information Technology and Systems Integration.
The family also reportedly owns a farm at West Nicholson.
“Everyone is talking of this jamboree, we are not sure what they are doing really. Justin, who is getting married, left his job as a police officer to manage the farm. He was known to be changing cars regularly. His brother is personally funding his wedding and bringing all these artistes; now we hear that he is bringing King Zwelithini, clearly something is happening here,” said the source.
Artistes that are expected to descend on the Matabeleland South provincial capital include Rebecca Malope, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Lusanda Spiritual Group, Tshepiso Motaung, Dumi Mkokstad, Bethusile Mcinga and jazz legend Tshepo Tshola.
Online Reporter