Hamba Kahle Ndabezitha

Today, as we say farewell to King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, we remember him and the line of Zulu Kings who came before him. We remember the great deeds of uShaka kaSenzangakhona and the civil strife between his half-brothers, Dingane kaSenzangakhona and Mpande kaSenzangakhona. We remember the poignant defiance of British Imperialism by Cetshwayo kaMpande. We remember the Bambatha Rebellion and the unjust treatment of Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo. We remember the role of Solomon Nkayishana ka Dinuzulu in the founding of Inkatha kaZulu as an organization to fight against the Native Affairs Bill of 1920. We remember Nyangayezizwe Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaNkayishana, the father of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu. We remember King Zwelithini for his unwavering support of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, his efforts in developing the youth, and his emphasis on the importance of tradition and heritage. The throne is empty for now. Hambe Kahle Ndabezitha!

Image: The chair of King Cetshwayo in the History Collection of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum Human Science Department. Photo taken by Chiara Singh 2021