Durban – At least eight monarchs from African countries have confirmed that they will take part in the historic ceremony of power being handed over to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday.
Throngs of people from all walk of life are also expected to witness the occasion that promises to be a watershed ceremony at the icon Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The Zulu Royals family have confirmed that a British Royal delegation from Wales would also grace the occasion where several head of state will also in present.
During the state of readiness media address, Nkosazane Dlamini-Zuma, who is leading a ministerial task team that is organising the event, confirmed that at least eight kings would be present.
Among them will be King Mswati III from Eswatini, King Gungunyane from the Province of Gaza from Mozambique and Prince and spouse from Lesotho representing His Majesty King Letsie III.
Dlamini-Zuma also added that kings from Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe would be in attendance. Former president of Botswana, Ian Khama and four ministers from the Eswatini government had also confirmed their attendance, she said.
With high-profile dignitaries all coming down to Durban, security has been tightened around the venue.
Yesterday, Police Minister Bheki Cele gave an update on the safety and security measures that had been put in place which were followed by the walk-about at the venue.
Dlamini-Zuma said former head of states and ministers would also take take part in the ceremony where at least 5 000 dignitaries were expected.
KZM Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the province was ready to roll out the royal carpet to all royal dignitaries and heads of state.
“It will indeed be a celebration of Africanness; of our way of life as people of Africa. Hence, we are encouraging everyone to dress in their finest traditional gear in celebration of our African culture, regardless of race, colour or creed.
“We want to see amabheshu, amahawu, izidwaba and any other dress code that showcase the tapestry of our beautiful traditions and culture as Africans. We expect the Moses Mabhida stadium to be clad in a symphony of traditional colour,” she added.
UPDATE: Minister Dr Dlamini-Zuma said the security cluster will give an update about the security arrangement tomorrow (Friday) at Moses Mabhida. @SundayTribuneSA @IOL pic.twitter.com/m5cbovVp2p
— MaMnguni💫 (@LindaGumede15) October 27, 2022
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda reassured the public that Durban was ready to welcome all the visitors. He said the safety and security would be arranged in line with the security plan detailed by the minister of police.
On the issue of water quality that has seen some of the Durban beaches being closed, Kaunda said water was tested frequently as per the South African National Standard for drinking water requirements and was safe for consumption.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE