- King Misuzulu kaZwelithini says Zulu people can learn business skills from Indian communities instead of allowing workplace tensions to divide them.
- The Zulu King called for stronger cultural ties between Indians and Zulus during the Bayede Diwali Festival at his royal palace in Pongola.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has urged Zulu people to stop fighting with Indians over business opportunities and instead learn from their business skills to build wealth together.
The King said he knows about the long history of tension between the two communities, especially in Durban, where some Zulu people have accused Indian employers of exploiting workers and keeping business opportunities to themselves.
Speaking at the Bayede Diwali Festival at eMashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola on Friday, King Misuzulu said both communities need each other to succeed.
“I do know that Zulus have tensions against Indians and they claim that Indians exploit them. All I can say is you need each other and as Zulus you can learn a lot from the Indian community in terms of business and develop each other,” said King Misuzulu.
The King said the Indian community has valuable business knowledge and experience that could help Zulu people develop their own businesses and create economic opportunities.
He praised Indian business owners and professionals for their contribution to the South African economy.
King Misuzulu also reminded the gathering that Indian and African communities share a painful history of colonialism and apartheid.
He paid tribute to Indian families whose ancestors arrived in South Africa as indentured labourers and worked under harsh conditions.
He also recognised those who came as traders and built businesses that continue to contribute to the country’s economy.
The festival was hosted by King Misuzulu together with his adopted royal son, Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, and the Sivananda World Peace Foundation.
The King said his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, had worked to bring different communities together.
He recalled how his father adopted Prince Ishwar, making him the first person of Indian descent to be formally adopted into the Zulu royal family.
King Misuzulu confirmed Prince Ishwar’s role as Royal Ambassador for Social Cohesion and Economic Development.
He praised the prince for organising the Bayede Diwali Festival and helping install Sivananda Peace Pillars across South Africa.
The King also remembered the words of the late traditional prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
“Deep inside every Indian there is a token of kindness.”
King Misuzulu wants the two communities to build stronger friendships by taking part in each other’s cultural celebrations.
He invited more Indian families to attend Umkhosi Womhlanga, the annual Reed Dance.
He also encouraged Zulu people to attend Durban’s Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots, known as Ratha Yatra.
The King said cultural exchanges, respect and working together could help both communities move beyond old tensions.
He also spoke warmly about Indian food and the importance of healthy living.
His message was that Zulu and Indian communities should see each other as partners in building a better future rather than rivals fighting over economic opportunities.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini calls for unity between Zulu and Indian communities during the Bayede Diwali Festival at eMashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola.
