DURBAN - FOR more than 15 years, philanthropist and businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman has been at King Goodwill Zwelithini’s side to mark Shaka’s Day and celebrate Heritage Day.
This year would be no different, but as a gesture to show Ramlutchman’s appreciation for the king, and to salute him for his contribution to society, a bronze
bust of King Zwelithini will be unveiled and installed today at the KwaDukuza Museum.
It will be the first bronze bust of King Zwelithini to be erected, said Ramlutchman, who is also known as “Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu”. Ramlutchman said the idea of the bronze bust was born five years ago and would be realised today.
Ramlutchman was bestowed the ceremonial gesture of being a “prince” by the king last year, to accept him into the Zulu culture for his role in extending a hand to other cultures and his anti-racism stance.
“We always want to honour and pay tribute to the monarch because he is such a great person and a humble king,” said Ramlutchman. “He is my king. That is why every Heritage Day I have always been with His Majesty for the past 15 to 20 years, to mark and honour tributes to King Shaka.”
The King said in a statement: “Over the years we have witnessed several monuments being built in honour of my people.
“Last year marked the 200th year of the founding of the Zulu nation by King Shaka and 45 years of my reign as the monarch. It is befitting, as Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu has honoured the monarch and the Zulu Nation by this historic monument”.
Ramlutchman said this Heritage Month, people of all races, cultures and divides should come together and look beyond their differences.
“We are all one, it is our own minds that separate us from each other. Everyone should come together and learn from one another, embrace each other and live together as one,” he said.