By Celani Sikhakhane
- Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini gets the Africa Impact Award and the Humanitarian Impact Award at Westminster Palace in London.
- King visits the same places his ancestor King Cetshwayo went to in 1882, saying he comes not as a prisoner but as a symbol of peace.
Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini became the main attraction at British Parliament after he was honoured with two big awards for helping people and keeping culture alive.
Both parts of the British Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, welcomed King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to celebrate his Africa Impact Award and the Humanitarian Impact Award, which were given to him on Friday at the African Achievers award held at Westminster Palace in London.
The King, who came with senior royals and his wife Queen Sihle kaMdhluli of Mashobeni Royal Palace, was warmly welcomed by a senior member of the House of Commons Diana Abbott, the longest-serving MP, and House of Lords Baroness Sandip Verma.
In his speech, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini said the visit to the United Kingdom brings back history which cannot be wiped out but can be changed when honour meets humanity to serve the people.
“I stand as a descendant of King Cetshwayo kaMpande, not in chains but in brotherhood, not as a relic of conquest but as royal representative of peace, dignity and restoration,” he said.
He said his visit as the Zulu King is not a return of a prisoner of war but as a symbol of excellence, strength and leadership.
He dedicated the awards to rural women and children who still suffer from poor development. He also dedicated them to traditional leaders who are protecting land, culture and the dignity of the people.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini also went to Wales, where he visited the Royal Welsh Museum in Brecon and the St Martin Cathedral in London to follow the same path as King Cetshwayo kaMpande, who visited the United Kingdom in 1882.
He made the historic visit to Queen Victoria after the battle of Isandlwana that took place in Nquthu, north of KwaZulu-Natal.
King Cetshwayo kaMpande had a spiritual journey in the fields of St Martin Cathedral, which reminded King Misuzulu kaZwelithini when he visited the place over the weekend.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini was also joined by his deputy Traditional Prime Minister iNkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, iNkosi Zuzifa Buthelezi, Prince Thulani of eGazini Royal House and others.
The Royal Welsh Regiments Museum honoured King Misuzulu kaZwelithini with the Royal Welsh Wall Plaque and the Royal Welsh Regimental Tie.
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Queen Sihle kaMdhluli of Mashobeni Royal Palace, along with senior royals, visited the Royal Welsh Museum in Brecon, where Mrs Dorcas Creswell was showing them some of the collection of the battle of Isandlwana Anglo Zulu War.
Image source: Supplied
