The Zulu royal family will give a lavish party in Nongoma this weekend at the start of a month-long celebration of King Goodwill Zwelithini’s 40-year reign over his nation.
The Mercury understands that the parties will be paid for by the Royal Household Trust, which is incorporated under the premier’s office.
King Zwelithini was installed as the Zulu king on December 3, 1971, at the age of 23.
A source said the main event, whose date and venue have not yet been revealed, would have about 1 200 high-profile guests from across the continent, including representatives of other royal families and government officials.
This weekend’s celebration would take place at KwaKhethomthandayo Palace, Nongoma, on Saturday.
“The king’s family, including his queens and children, will be celebrating with him. It will be more like a private function, although the king’s friends will be welcome.
“Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will definitely be there because he is a relative,” said event spokesman Bheki Ncube.
A source said the Royal Household Trust was in possession of a list of guests for the main event, which would be attended by royal families from across the continent, as well as former presidents.
“It will take place this month, but the venue and date have not been confirmed. We have the list of guests, which I cannot release for now, but among the guests is former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda,” he said.
Ncube said members of the national and provincial cabinets had not yet confirmed their attendance.
When asked how much the celebrations would cost, Ncube referred The Mercury to the premier’s spokesman, Ndabezitha Sibiya, who said the cost was not important. What was important was that the celebrations were taking place.
Sibiya said similar parties had been organised by municipalities, such as the Zululand district municipality and the Uthungulu municipality.