Queen Thandi Zulu awarded Doctorate for groundbreaking agricultural research
Her Royal Highness Queen Thandekile Jane MaNdlovu Zulu, affectionately known as Queen Thandi, proudly accepted her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) during the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) spring graduation ceremony.
At the age of 75, the Queen’s accomplishment stands as a radiant emblem of resilience, illustrating her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.
As the fourth wife of the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, Queen Thandi’s academic journey is deeply intertwined with her extensive experience in the nursing profession, spanning over 19 years. Her poignant experiences with patients suffering from severe Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a condition that affects millions, ignited her passion for her thesis, titled ‘Developing a Framework for the Growing and Commercialisation of Stevia in Kenya.’
Supervised by notable academics including Professor Macdonald Kanyangale and others, Queen Thandi’s research stems from personal experiences within her family, where the devastating impacts of DM were all too tangible.
“In my family we have had people who suffered from DM to the point of losing one or both limbs and even their lives… So, I was quite intrigued when I learnt about stevia plant products in controlling DM,” she explained.
While her inquiry into the commercial viability of cultivating stevia in South Africa yielded limited positive results, it pointed to the possibilities within Kenya’s conducive climate. Queen Thandi opted to focus her research there, conducting qualitative studies that included interviews with seasoned Kenyan stevia farmers.
This research revealed pivotal insights into the necessity for financial and market-readiness support to enhance the agricultural framework, potentially propelling both economic development and food security in the region.
As an influential leader within the Zulu Kingdom, the Queen is poised to implement her study’s findings locally in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The model used in Kenya was inclusive of the communities… Lessons learned from the study will enable KZN to benefit when tailored to our local circumstances,” she stated, emphasising her commitment to fostering growth in her community.
Queen Thandi’s academic achievement is notably complemented by her extensive public engagements. Having previously advocated for women’s reproductive health in Harrogate, UK, and participating in the African Philanthropic Forum in Nigeria, she seamlessly blends her academic pursuits with her role as a social leader.
Beyond academia, Queen Thandi is the founder of The Queen Foundation Trust, which addresses critical health, social, and cultural issues. An agricultural entrepreneur, she supplies a variety of produce to local retailers and offers educational support to agricultural interns from surrounding universities.
Furthermore, her spiritual dedication as a Development Commissioner in the Anglican Church adds another layer to her multifaceted responsibilities. Recognised for her efforts in supporting women and preserving African traditions, she has also been nominated for the Clevenard Media Award 2025 in Spain, to celebrate her impactful contributions to socio-cultural development.
The academic community also acknowledges her outstanding achievement. Professor Ernest Khalema, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the UKZN College of Law and Management Studies, extended his congratulations, stating, “May this continue to enrich your leadership in empowering others. You have inspired the nation.”
IOL