Salute the traditional prime minister
“THE ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” – Martin Luther King jr.
The sudden bowing out of his Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu did not only bring into the spotlight the Zulu Royal house, but showed to the world who Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is when it comes to matters of traditional leadership, the Zulu monarchy and what it means being an unapologetic Zulu South African.
During the hospitalisation of His Majesty, Prince Buthelezi reported updates and handled this matter with utmost dignity. He calmed the nerves of South Africans and the Zulu nation. He showed the gift of the gab in dealing with the media. Had someone else been tasked to deal with the media, that person would have crossed the line and faltered in many ways.
When rumours were circulating thick and fast that His Majesty had bowed out from the ring of life, Buthelezi stepped in quickly and quashed any negative message surrounding these lies. In his statement, he delved into factual information without waffling.
He reminded the local people and the world of His Majesty’s primary reason for being in the intensive care unit. “His Majesty entered hospital to have his high glucose levels attended to. He was not, and is still not, frail in any way. His doctors preferred that he be treated in the ICU in order to attend to this thoroughly.”
Shenge proved in an unparalleled manner that he is no amateur and a match for anyone when it comes to handling delicate matters. Again, he announced the passing of the king with dignity, sober mind and respect.
His choice of words in every sentence he penned and word he uttered showed that he is an excellent communicator, which is a prominent quality of leaders and politicians. For instance, the likes of Martin Luther King jr, Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Ronald Reagan left audiences spellbound.
While conveying updates on His Majesty’s planting, he mirrored experience and maturity. His deftness and skill in playing the ball instead of the man was a reminder that he was focused and deliberately avoided being veered from the bigger picture of ensuring that everything is handled with dignity beyond measure.
Speaking about Queen Mantfombi as the regent during the interregnum and the official successor to the late King, Shenge reminded the world that the royal family is still mourning.
He assured the Zulu nation that “she will be assisted by the royal council in the meantime” but cautioned that “there should be no expectation of a new king” when mourning comes to an end. In other words, he was telling everyone “first things first, instead of putting the cart before the horse”.
He focused on the main task and ignored inconsequential and insignificant matters.
Whoever was and is still hesitant to accept that Buthelezi is the traditional prime minster to the Zulu monarch and Zulu nation is non compos mentis!
His sagacity and balanced mind brought stability and peace during the hour of confusion and challenge. He preached unity and inspired hope during the trying times of the Zulu nation as Sir Winston Churchill did during World War II.
Shenge’s statements during the bowing out of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, planted, germinated and watered a seed of hope. Through his words, he was reminding the Zulu nation, royal house and all South Africans that, “The sun will rise again no matter how long the dark and heavy clouds hover above your heads.”
Indeed, there is no substitute for experience. Shenge executed his duties exceptionally well as the traditional prime minister. He played his part like a man who is ambidextrous, displaying his dexterity in an exhibition.
Young people and this generation learnt so much about Zulu culture from him. Mageba! People salute you! You have once again claimed your place in the history of the Zulu nation and its royal house. THEMBA J NKOSI | Durban