King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s appointment of Inkosi Malusi Zondi has been hailed as historic by former KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Head of Ministry, Lindokuhle Xulu.
Zondi is the descendant of the late inkosi Bhambatha kaManciza Zondi.
At the weekend, the king announced Zondi as the ‘Iso of the king’ (king’s representative or eye) responsible for the well being of the king’s subjects in urban areas under eThekwini and Pietermaritzburg. In terms of his position, Zondi will work closely with traditional leaders, whose areas of jurisdiction incorporate the two cities.
Xulu said that Zondi’s appointment is not only significant for the benefit of Amakhosi and their subjects but also for the historic relationship between the Zulu royal family and the Zondi clan, particularly the descendants of the late Inkosi Bhambatha.
“This appointment is a revival of a historic ties between the Zondi clan and the Zulu royal family dating back to the times of Inkosi Bhambatha kaManciza and king Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo. During what came to be known as Bhambatha rebellion, both king Dinuzulu and Bhambatha fought side by side against the poll tax so it was important that the Zulu royal family reward the Zondi clan for that role.
“I always felt that the Zulu kings owed the Zondi clan for their resistance against the poll tax which was going to be a financial burden to the Zulu people,” said Xulu.
As a consequence of the second industrial revolution, the British government introduced a poll tax in the then Natal colony in 1906.
This was to force Africans to leave their traditional life and work in white-owned mines in the then Transvaal where gold and diamond were discovered.
Inkosi Bhambatha rallied Africans and led a defiance campaign. King Dinuzulu sent Amabutho (warriors) to assist Bhambatha in repelling the British army.
In his acceptance speech, Zondi said he was honoured and privileged to be entrusted by the king with such the important role of being his ‘eye’. Zondi promised to work diligently with Amakhosi.
“I will work hard to promote peace and improve economic development in the areas under my jurisdiction,” said Zondi.
Zondi is a successful businessman and president of the Black Business Forum.
As per tradition, Zondi presented Misuzulu with 124 as a gift.
