President Cyril Ramaphosa attending 110th commemoration of King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo at KwaNkomonye Royal Palace in KwaZulu Natal. Image: X/@PresidencyZA
Ramaphosa pays tribute to King Dinuzulu’s cultural contributions
President Ramaphosa honored King Dinuzulu, highlighting his multifaceted life beyond being a freedom fighter.
President Cyril Ramaphosa attending 110th commemoration of King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo at KwaNkomonye Royal Palace in KwaZulu Natal. Image: X/@PresidencyZA
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a moving tribute to King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo, shed light on the lesser-known aspects of the monarch’s life, extending beyond his role as a freedom fighter.
Diving into the cultural and artistic dimensions of King Dinuzulu, President Ramaphosa unveiled a multifaceted leader whose legacy transcends mere political activism.
President Ramaphosa paid homage to King Dinuzulu at the 110th commemoration of the former Zulu monarch’s death at KwaCeza Sports Field in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Ramaphosa celebrates King Dinuzulu’s legacy
Ramaphosa presented a narrative that highlighted the monarch’s deep appreciation for education and music. Rather than solely focusing on his political struggles, the president emphasised King Dinuzulu’s dedication to fostering intellectual growth and artistic expression within the Zulu community.
President Ramaphosa’s speech underscored the monarch’s significant contributions to Zulu cultural heritage, especially in the realm of music. From his prolific compositions of Amahubo esiZulu to his promotion of choral music and other indigenous styles, King Dinuzulu’s artistic pursuits made a lasting impact on Zulu society.
Moreover, President Ramaphosa highlighted the monarch’s adoption of Western musical forms during his exile on St Helena, demonstrating his adaptability and cultural curiosity. His fondness for church hymns sung in both isiZulu and English exemplified his willingness to bridge cultural gaps through music.
“This passion for music contributed to the popularity of choral music and other transitional styles like isicathamiya, maskandi, and others, which are distinctive to the Zulu Kingdom,” remarked Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa highlights economic potential in liberation tourism
Beyond commemorating King Dinuzulu’s historical significance, President Ramaphosa underscored the economic potential inherent in promoting liberation tourism and preserving cultural heritage.
Additionally, by showcasing the monarch’s rich artistic legacy, the president envisioned a future where cultural tourism propels sustainable development and job creation in South Africa.
