By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
King Misuzulu KaZwelithini says the replacement for the Zulu Prime Minister would only be discussed after the mourning period.
Misuzulu was addressing throngs of his subjects during the commemoration of King Shaka’s day in kwaDukuza on Saturday.
The day is commemorated annually to remember the King who founded the Zulu nation in 1816 by conquering and uniting small Nguni clans around KwaZulu.
King Shaka was assassinated on September 24, 1828 by his brothers, Prince Dingane and Mhlangana Zulu.
This was the first gathering without Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who together with King Bhekuzulu started the annual commemoration.
Buthelezi who was the traditional prime minister of the Zulu monarch and nation passed away on September 9 aged 95 and was buried last week in Ulundi.
The King Misuzulu said the issue of who is going to replace him would be considered after the mourning period.
“I know that many of you are asking questions about the issue of a traditional prime minister because he is needed.
“My Zulu people I plead that since we are still mourning, let us not discuss this issue until the mourning is over
“We will discuss that after the mourning, that’s my plea and I hope we will cooperate on this matter,” the king said.
The celebration coincided with his birthday, which he feels is a significant piece of history.
“Today is a very significant day not only because it is my birthday, but because we are celebrating Umkhosi Welembe. On this significant day, I appeal to you to work together to ensure that the nation pulls together…”
“The past two years the nation has been under a dark cloud as we were left in shock by the passing of the two pillars of the nation (King Zwelithini and later his wife Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu). We are here today to remind one another as to who we are and what our culture signifies,” he said.
King Misuzulu named two regiment leaders, Prince Vanana Zulu and Sipho Mhlongo, and blessed them to lead Zulu warriors.
Acting premier Nomagugu Zulu-Simelane praised the founder of the Zulu nation King Shaka kaSenzangakhona.
“We are gathered on this wonderful day to pay homage to a giant that walked the pathways and valleys of our province like a colossus, more than two hundred years ago. That giant was King Shaka.
“He met his brutal and untimely demise at the hands of his brothers Dingane and Mhlangane, and his trusted aide Mbopha kaSithayi. Even though King Shaka passed away many years ago, the legacy he left behind lives on nationally, continentally and internationally.