Statement by
Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP and UDM President
It was a shock to learn this morning that His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini has passed away.
As the custodian of Zulu traditions and customs, he specifically played a critical role in leading the Zulu nation during the hight of the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa.
He was a known environmentalist and in 2011, he was part of the programme when my Champions of the Environment Foundation, with the help of the traditional Reed Dancers, had planted around 34,000 indigenous trees, endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, at Enyonkeni in one day. He also encouraged his people to keep livestock and live sustainably.
I will remember him as a very neat and fastidious person, who enjoyed dressing well.
The United Democratic Movement expresses its condolences with his wives, children, grandchildren and the entire Zulu Nation.
His presence will be missed. Bon voyage Silo Samabandla. Bayede!
