WATCH: King Misuzulu calls for stronger Zulu-Indian ties at Bayede Diwali Festival

Ask AI 2minHer Royal Highness Queen Mawewe and Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu

King Misuzulu aZwelithini has urged Zulu and Indian communities to deepen cultural ties and work together against social division, youth unemployment and gender-based violence.

Addressing the Bayede Diwali Festival at the Emashobeni Royal Palace, in Pongola, on Friday, King Misuzulu said the event demonstrated the Zulu people’s embrace of the Indian community.

The festival was co-hosted with Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu and the Sivananda World Peace Foundation.

King Misuzulu praised the contribution of South Africans of Indian descent, including professionals and entrepreneurs whose work supports the country’s economy and development.

Reflecting on their history, he honoured the resilience of those who endured the harsh conditions of colonial indentured labour, alongside those who established themselves as traders.

He recognised the shared sacrifices of African and Indian communities in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

King Misuzulu acknowledged Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s substantial Indian community and the growing friendships and relationships across cultural lines.

He also expressed his appreciation for Indian cuisine and spoke warmly of healthy living and well-being.

He reaffirmed the social cohesion mission of his late father, His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.

He also recalled the historic adoption of Prince Mabheka Zulu, the first person of Indian descent formally adopted into the Zulu Royal Family, as an enduring bond between the communities.

King Misuzulu reaffirmed Prince Mabheka Zulu’s role as the Royal ambassador for social cohesion and economic development. T

He encouraged greater Indian community participation in the Umkhosi Womhlanga, the Reed Dance.

He equally called on Zulu people to participate in Durban’s Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots, also known as Ratha Yatra, to deepen understanding through shared cultural experiences.

Turning to the meaning of Diwali, or Deepavali, a “row of lights”, King Misuzulu reflected on Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the honouring of Mother Lakshmi as the goddess of prosperity, and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness.

He drew parallels with themes of renewal, purity and light at Umkhosi Womhlanga, and with the lighting of candles for ancestors as a request for guidance.

He connected these traditions with the teaching of Ubuntu: “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu – I am because you are.”

He also honoured the teachings of Swami Sivananda, reflected in the work of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation: “Serve, love, be good, do good” and “Serve, love, give, purify, meditate and realise.”

He called for collective action against youth unemployment, gender-based violence, the erosion of moral values and division on social media.

Describing these challenges as forms of darkness, he urged people to respond through service, education, care and the creation of opportunities.

“Each one of us here today is a lamp,” he said.

He urged communities to build a KwaZulu-Natal and a South Africa where diversity is a shared strength and everybody has a place.