One can write for eternity trying to find all the descriptors in the world befitting of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, who passed on this morning (Friday, 12 March 2021).
Though formally the reigning King of the Zulu Nation, Isilo Samabandla was a leader of all men and women - revered, loved and whose counsel was sought by political and business leaders; as well as ordinary people from a broad spectrum of society, on matters of national importance.
It is thus befitting that, as the earth mourns the fall of this great African tree, our collective cry as humanity - irrespective of race, gender, religion or even place of origin - reverberates from every corner of the world and its melancholic echo glides through the rolling hills of the Natal Midlands and, like a gentle tide oozing from the Umgeni River, yearning, yearning and yearning to hug and whisper comforting words to the mothers and children of the House of Zulu.
As Principal and Vice Chancellor of Unisa, and on behalf of the entire university community, I extend our sincerest condolences to the Zulu Royal family, the Zulu Nation and, indeed, the family and friends of His Majesty, King Zwelithini.
Robala ka Khotso! Uphumule Ngoxolo, Silo Samabandla!
HLANGA LOMHLABATHI! BAYEDE! WENA WENDLOVU!
Professor Puleng Lenkabula
Principal and Vice Chancellor
University of South Africa
Publish date: 2021-03-13 00:00:00.0