President Cyril Ramaphosa described the late King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu as a soldier in the war against gender-based violence (GBV), saying he was a great visionary and had deep insights on how best to develop the country and its people.

Ramaphosa was delivering the eulogy during Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu’s memorial service at the Khethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, who suffered from diabetes, died in hospital last week and was buried on Wednesday night during a private ceremony attended by males.

Ramaphosa explained that Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, in December last year, signed a pledge to fight GBV, child abuse and human trafficking.

Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu championed men’s dialogues as a way of confronting the attitudes and practices that led to the abuse of women and children, Ramaphosa said.

“His majesty had faith in his country and its future. He had the faith to believe that we as a people and as a nation would win the battle for development, progress and social justice. He did believe that we would triumph against poverty, inequality and unemployment. He believed that we would be triumphant against gender-based violence and femicide,” he said.

Ramaphosa described the late King as a champion of development and progress and someone who advocated for better health outcomes among his people, leading from the front in the fight against HIV, AIDS and TB by founding the Bayede Trust, which works to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

Ramaphosa said the Zulu people were in mourning and the country shared in their sorrow.

His Majesty’s Role in Culture

Ramaphosa said the King will be remembered for being a staunchest defender of his people while advancing the Zulu culture, customs, traditions and a deep sense of identity and nationhood.

Zwelithini will also be remembered for his role in bringing peace and stability to KZN during difficult times.

“As a leader, he preached peace and unity and abhorred violence and its consequences,” Ramaphosa highlighted.

He said the King is celebrated across Africa because he valued diversity and respected the cultures of other kingdoms and nations.

“His Majesty worked to quell tensions between locals and foreign nationals, because he strongly believed that the country’s laws on migration and employment should be respected; but he also spoke out against violence directed at foreigners. His Majesty has left us, but his legacy lives on. It is a rich and proud legacy, and one for which he will forever be remembered,” Ramaphosa said.