The King of the Zulu nation, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, has died while receiving treatment for diabetes-related ailment.
King Goodwill Zwelithini who passed away at age 72, was an influential traditional ruler who led 11 million Zulu nation – about 18% of South Africa’s population
He had been admitted to hospital in KwaZulu-Natal last week to monitor his ongoing diabetes condition.
The king’s prime minister thanked South Africa for its “continued prayers and support in this most difficult time”.
King Goodwill was a direct descendent of King Cetshwayo who led the Zulu nation during the war with the British in 1879.
Throughout his more than five decade-reign, he was a strong advocate for preserving cultural identity.
As custodian of Zulu traditions and customs, he revived many cultural practices including Umhlanga – also known as the Reed Dance ceremony – which is said to be aimed at celebrating virginity and raising awareness about HIV/Aids, in a province with some of the highest rates of infection.
One of the most well-known monarchs on the continent and globally, he ruled the Zulu nation under the Traditional Leadership clause of South Africa’s republican constitution albeit he mostly performed ceremonial roles.
He was a vocal critic of the governing African National Congress, ANC, accusing it of mishandling the country. He will be remembered as a straight-talker, at times to the ire of some.
He also has family links to the Swazi and Xhosa nations through marriage and is respected by other cultural groups too.
A vastly travelled monarch, he had taken his cultural influence internationally into the West to promote trade and tourism for his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa’s president has described him as a “much-loved visionary”.
