Online Reporter
Sunday News Correspondent
KING Misuzulu kaZwelithini has called for the strengthening of ties between the Zulu nation and neighbouring countries, noting that some relations date back as far as KoBulawayo in Zimbabwe.
The monarch addressed hundreds at the Isandlwana Battle commemoration in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday, calling for mutual respect, dialogue and collaboration amid rising tensions between local South Africans and foreign nationals.
The king’s address touched on history and contemporary challenges.
“We need to build relationships with other nations and not fight,” said King Misuzulu.
“There are Zulus in Zimbabwe; do not forget that,” he stated, acknowledging the complex and longstanding cultural and family ties across borders.
The event also saw Zimbabwean traditional leaders invited to engage directly with the Zulu kingdom.
Chief Thulane Jubane, representing Zimbabweans living in South Africa, highlighted the cultural and traditional bonds between the two nations.
“Zimbabweans in South Africa should always respect, value, appreciate and embrace South Africa, which has opened up to them over the years. We share the same cultural and traditional values, which give our nations common ground and a reason to work together,” he said.
Similarly, Chief Mbusi Bhekithemba Dakamela expressed keen interest in collaboration between the Zulu kingdom and Zimbabwe, emphasising the shared cultural heritage.
“Our people have traditions and customs that are closely linked with the Zulu nation. We must work together, honour our shared heritage and ensure that Zimbabweans are humble, respect South African laws and appreciate the welcome we have received,” he said.
Speaking recently, President Mnangagwa reiterated the importance of traditional leadership in Zimbabwe.
He emphasised the role of chiefs and kings as custodians of heritage, culture and stability in rural communities, noting that empowering traditional leaders is key to bridging governance at the grassroots level and ensuring effective delivery of social services.
Alluding to the contentious issue of illegal immigration, the king emphasised the importance of a judicious approach.
“I promise you, there will be no war here. We will talk to those who are illegal to go back home; everyone has a home,” he added.
Recent confrontations outside Addington Primary School in Durban, where locals clashed with foreign nationals over the placing of children, have highlighted the need for dialogue, the king said. He recalled that even his late father, King Zwelithini, faced a similar challenge and added that he, too, is now addressing the presence of illegal immigrants.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli supported the king’s call for calm and reconciliation.
“We should find a way to ensure that there is no black-on-black violence. We also promise His Majesty that if there are people here illegally, that will be addressed through the help of the police to deport those here illegally,” Premier Ntuli said.
The Isandlwana gathering, which commemorates the historical 1879 battle in which Zulu forces defeated British troops, provided a timely backdrop for discussions on cross-border relations and social cohesion. The attendance of Zimbabwean chiefs underscores the long-standing bonds between the Zulu nation and Zimbabwe, ties that stretch generations into the past and remain relevant in navigating contemporary social and political dynamics.
King Misuzulu’s call for dialogue and strengthened international cultural ties is a timely message as South Africa works to manage relations between locals and foreign nationals. By emphasising respect, cooperation and shared cultural heritage, the monarch and Zimbabwean chiefs provide a framework for nurturing understanding, integration and collaboration between the nations.
