DURBAN - HIS Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini paid his respects to his late grandmother queen Thomozile Jezangani Ndwandwe, who is buried at Umkhumbane Freedom Park, in Mayville.
This is after the prayer service to mark one year since the death of his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, on Saturday at KwaKhangalemankengane palace.
King Misuzulu was accompanied by his wife, queen Ntokozo Mayisela Zulu, who said she felt honoured to be setting her foot where Queen Thomozile’s remains were stored.
Queen Thomozile died in 1959 and her remains were lost at the Chesterville Cemetery before being found and reburied in Cato Manor in 2011.
Speaking at the ceremony, Queen Ntokozo spoke about how proactive
Queen Thomozile was, and said she also did not believe that women should sit around and do nothing.
She said the king was birthed by strong women, which made her realise nothing would stand in his way.
“The king will conquer everything because he is surrounded by strong women,” said Queen Ntokozo.
Talking about gender-based violence, she said it was hard for some women to leave their relationships because of what the man brought to the table.
She said: “I believe that the spirit of Queen Thomo of doing things herself and being an independent woman will conquer,” said Queen Ntokozo.
Speaking at the prayer, King Misuzulu said: “This is a holy day, as I am standing here, I am shivering.”
The king expressed gratitude towards everyone who played a role in finding the remains of his late grandmother. He said his father was in pain for years because he did not know where his mother’s remains were.
The king further praised the Ndwandwe family, saying that the Ndwandwe blood ran through his veins because his late mother, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini’s grandmother, was a Ndwandwe, and his father King Zwelithini’s mother was an Ndwandwe.
The king further advised the Zulu nation to be respectful and peaceful like his grandmother.
“Zulu, let us be strong, respect and move forward because they are watching us. Let us respect women,” said King Misuzulu.
He said people should not destroy infrastructure when they wanted to address their grievances.
“We are lucky in South Africa because we have a democratic government. However, if there is something that you are not happy about, do not destroy infrastructure,” said King Misuzulu.