MYSTERIOUS! See The Reason Why Zulu Tribe Planted Their King Instead Of Been Buried
The 72- year- old King Goodwill Zwelithini, the revered leader of the Zulu nation in South Africa, was laid to rest in a private ceremony on Thursday morning, attended only by a select group of royal men. While the funeral was conducted in secrecy, the days leading up to it offered a rare glimpse into the traditions and cultural values surrounding the final rites of a Zulu monarch.
For the Zulu people, the passing of King Zwelithini does not mark the end of his influence. Rather, the term ” ukutshalwa” is used— loosely translated as ” planting” — to suggest that the king’ s legacy and impact will continue beyond his death. In Zulu tradition, death is seen not as a finality, but as a transition to the next phase of existence. Instead of ” death, ” the end of the king’ s mortal life is referred to as ” ukukhothama, ” meaning ” to kneel. ” This symbolizes the timeless continuity of the Zulu kingdom, with the king metaphorically kneeling to allow the next in line to rise to the throne.
King Zwelithini’ s half- century reign was marked by a staunch commitment to preserving Zulu cultural identity, a legacy that continues even after his death. His passing is viewed by his people as a transition into ancestorhood, where he will join generations of Zulu kings, including his direct ancestor, King Cetshwayo, who famously led the Zulu nation during the 1879 Anglo- Zulu War.
In the days following his passing, the town of Nongoma, located in the KwaZulu- Natal province, has been a hub of activity. Mourners from across the region have gathered to pay their respects, and many have brought gifts in the form of cows, some of which will be slaughtered and shared with the community in a communal act of mourning and celebration. Zulu warriors have donned their leopard- skin regalia, and traditional songs and dances have filled the air, marking both a mourning and a celebration of the king’ s life.
For many young women, participation in the Reed Dance has provided not only a cultural connection but a sense of personal empowerment. Happy Buthelezi, a 30- year- old woman, shared how the tradition has shaped her life, offering her the opportunity to focus on education rather than the pressures of early sexual activity. ” Being a part of Umhlanga over the years has protected me, ” she said, emphasizing the positive impact the ceremony has had on her personal development.
On Thursday, a memorial service was held at the kwaKhethamthondayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, with dignitaries, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, attending to pay tribute to the late king. Among those present were three of the king’ s grieving queens, as well as members of the royal family. In his eulogy, President Ramaphosa highlighted the king’ s role in the freedom struggle, noting that during his reign, the Zulu people, along with all South Africans, realized their dream of liberation from colonialism and apartheid. ” It was during his reign that the decades of dispossession and the wilful destruction of our knowledge, culture, and governance institutions came to an end, ” said Ramaphosa.
While the question of succession remains unanswered, there is no doubt that the Zulu people have a clear vision of what they seek in their next monarch. The new leader must be a visionary, someone who will honor Zulu culture, speak honestly, and guide future generations with wisdom. For now, the Zulu nation, which boasts a population of over 11 million, will continue to mourn King Zwelithini’ s passing, remembering him not only as a king but as a living embodiment of the Zulu spirit.
King Zwelithini’ s legacy is one of cultural pride, resilience, and the unbroken continuity of the Zulu monarchy. His transition from king to ancestor is not just a personal journey but a reminder to all Zulu people that the strength of their traditions will continue to thrive through the ages.
