The late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu with Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.
Image: SUPPLIED
IN HONOUR of the late King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu, Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu has announced plans to unveil 50 sculptures commemorating the life and legacy of the revered monarch.
He said these sculptures will be strategically placed in various public spaces across South Africa, standing as enduring symbols of hope, pride, and unity for all South Africans.
“We will be installing these busts in educational facilities, health centres, museums, and public open spaces. Our collaboration with provincial governments will ensure that these sculptures are widely distributed across the country,” Ramlutchman said.
King Zwelithini passed away on March 12, 2021.
His reign, which spanned nearly five decades, was defined by his courage, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his people, stated Ramlutchman.
“King Zwelithini was the most consistent voice for peace and unity in South Africa and beyond. Despite the sinister forces that sought to incite discord among the Zulu people, His Majesty always stood for peace, stability, and prosperity,” Ramlutchman said.
He praised King Zwelithini not only as a monarch but as a beacon of hope, a visionary leader, and a staunch advocate for cultural preservation, economic development, and the well-being of his people. “His contributions to the Zulu Kingdom and South Africa as a whole have left an indelible mark on our nation's history,” he added.
Ramlutchman emphasised that his foundation, Sivananda World Peace, would work closely with the provincial government led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli to ensure the sculptures were widely distributed, making the King’s memory a part of daily life for generations to come.
“As the only Indian adopted as a son by King Zwelithini, I had the honour of being named Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu and receiving the Zulu Royal Orders. I was also inducted into the esteemed Izinyosi Regiments, a special honour bestowed upon me by His Majesty himself. Today, I stand as a proud son of the Zulu Kingdom and a witness to the extraordinary leadership and compassion that defined King Zwelithini’s reign,” Ramlutchman remarked.
King Zwelithini also served as the honorary patron of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, an organisation dedicated to promoting global peace and harmony. Ramlutchman noted that the King’s wisdom, compassion, and strength guided the work of the foundation just as it guided the Zulu Kingdom. “His leadership transcended cultural boundaries, and his commitment to social justice and the welfare of his people was unwavering,” he said.
Reflecting on the King’s legacy, Ramlutchman noted the King’s unyielding commitment to his people and their well-being, as well as his dedication to promoting economic development and social justice.
“While we continue to feel the weight of his loss, His Majesty’s legacy lives on. His memory serves as a powerful reminder of the work we must continue to do to create a brighter future for all South Africans. May his legacy inspire us all to strive for peace, prosperity, and unity in our communities,” Ramlutchman concluded.
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