King hosts Diwali feast with ‘brother’
THE sights and sounds of Diwali celebrations filtered through the Linduzulu palace in Nongoma‚ northern KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday as Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini hosted the Hindu festival of lights for the first time. But it was not an idea of the king’s. Instead‚ it came at the suggestion of businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman, 41, who‚ despite a dodgy past‚ has a close relationship with Zwelithini.
Ramlutchman counts a tribute from former president Nelson Mandela as one of his achievements and has worked with high-profile politicians like President Jacob Zuma and IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
But what stands out about the Richards Bay businessman – convicted before for fraud and corruption – is his relationship with Zwelithini.
Ramlutchman has even written a book about him – A tribute to the King of the Zulu Nation – and is a member of the king’s royal military regiment.
Ramlutchman – also an ANC benefactor – has been seen at Zwelithini’s side for more than a decade‚ either to mark Shaka Day‚ the annual Reed Dance or any other royal event.
He said he was mesmerised by Zwelithini while growing up in KwaDukuza – and thereafter attended every King Shaka Day celebration.
In 2013‚ Ramlutchman was convicted on 21 counts of fraud and one of corruption for supplying false information to acquire tenders worth more than R52-million.
He paid a R500 000 fine after he pleaded guilty to defrauding the KwaZulu-Natal public works department.
He was awarded 16 contracts between May 2006 and August 2008‚ which included work at 14 schools and two hospitals.
His assets‚ consisting of properties in Ballito and La Lucia‚ as well as 26 luxury vehicles, were seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit as a result of a restraint order from the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
But last year‚ Zwelithini appointed him to one of his military regiments‚ and he is now known as Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu.
Zwelithini said of him: “To the hundreds of Zulu regiments‚ Ishwar is not an Indian, but a umfowethu [brother] or insizwa enye [remarkable young man] – a great affirmation that he is one of them.”
Zwelithini said the honour was bestowed on Ralutchman because of his efforts at social cohesion‚ respect for everyone’s cultural heritage and religion.
In return‚ Ramlutchman‚ who is fluent in Zulu‚ has embraced Zulu culture and during traditional royal ceremonies always wears traditional Zulu attire.
Ramlutchman said Zwelithini had described the Indian festival Diwali as a unifying force to be celebrated by all South Africans.