By Celani Sikhakhane
- KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and the ANC in KZN have extended birthday wishes to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who turns 52 today.
- The King marked the eve of his birthday on Tuesday with a visit to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park for World Rhino Day.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli and the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal have both wished King Misuzulu kaZwelithini a blessed 52nd birthday, in public statements issued on Wednesday.
“Today, I join the people of KwaZulu-Natal in wishing His Majesty, iNdlulamithi yamaKhosi, a blessed and joyous birthday. On this special day, we honour not only His Majesty’s life, but also his steadfast leadership and enduring role in preserving our heritage, strengthening our identity and bringing our people together. May His Majesty be blessed with good health, wisdom and many more years of service to our people and our nation. Long live the King! Bayede! Wena weNdlovu,” Ntuli said.
The ANC in KZN echoed the sentiment.
“The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal extends heartfelt birthday wishes to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. May the Almighty continue to protect and bless your reign, giving you wisdom and courage to carry forward the proud legacy of your forebears. Bayede! Wena Wendlovu!” the party said.
The tributes came a day after King Misuzulu marked the eve of his birthday with a visit to the rhinos at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on Tuesday, which also marked World Rhino Day, ahead of King Shaka Day.
The rhino, known as uBhejane in isiZulu, holds a significant place in Zulu culture and is historically regarded as a sacred animal. The Zulu monarchy has frequently played a prominent public role in rhino advocacy and conservation events.
The late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu previously addressed major anti-poaching summits in KwaZulu-Natal, describing poaching as an “embarrassment” and an “enemy of Africa,” and urged rural communities near game reserves to help expose poaching syndicates. King Misuzulu has continued this engagement, working with regional leadership to integrate local traditional communities into the operations and safeguarding of historic sanctuaries such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
His birthday falls just a day before King Shaka Day and National Heritage Day on Thursday, when the King is expected to unveil a new statue of King Shaka at King Shaka International Airport before travelling to KwaDukuza for the main commemoration.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who turns 52 today, pictured during his visit to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park to mark World Rhino Day.
Image source: Zulu Royal Kingdom
