King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s former head of communications, Prince Africa Zulu, is working on a plan to establish a civil society organisation that will fight and look after the interests of the Zulu people.

Zulu revealed that he has long considered the idea of establishing an organisation. He decided to create it after realising there was no existing group dedicated to addressing the various challenges faced by the Zulu people, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

He stated that the organisation would maintain a strictly non-political and non-governmental stance. This independence would allow it to address all issues without concern for damaging relationships.

“There are many issues affecting the Zulu people with no one to run to. This organisation will be their voice and fight their battles, be it legal, labour-related, or social. Many people are suffering in silence because they do not have a body to run to for help; some of them are being harassed by farmers every day, exploited in the workplace, and wish to take legal action but lack resources to do so. This situation is concerning for a nation as respected as the Zulu people,” said Zulu.

On the funding of the structure, he said since it will be a non-profit organisation, it will rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses who will see the need to support it. He further stated that the help may not be necessary monetary as some people, particularly lawyers, can donate with their legal services.

“I call on employed Zulu people to assist their fellow community members. I call on businesses to lend a hand to this good initiative. It is upon us as Zulu people to fight alongside one another as our forefathers did in the historic battle of Isandlwana, where they defeated the heavy-armed British soldiers in January 1879,” concluded Zulu.

Prince Zulu, from Onkweni royal residence, is a direct descendent of Prince Shingana, who was a brother to King Cetshwayo. Shingana was arrested with Cetshwayo after the British army attacked and destroyed Cetshwayo’s Ulundi palace in July 1879. They were imprisoned in St. Helena, which is now known as Robben Island. Zulu is a member of the Durban Chamber of Commerce chairing  the traditional leaders business forum.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal-based cultural expert, Professor Sihawu Ngubane, said the idea is good because it will play a watchdog role in all matters affecting the Zulu people.

However, he warned that it should be purely independent and apolitical to avoid being hijacked by people who would want to use it for their own interest.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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