ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has conveyed his deepest condolences to the Royal Household following the passing of Isilo Samabandla Onke, His Majesty King Goodwill kaBhekuzulu on 12 March. “We are deeply saddened that our symbol of peace, unity and development is no more. Isilo was also a champion of heritage and tourism for the City,” said Mayor Kaunda.

Thekwini Municipality had a strong relationship with His Majesty as the Queen Mother Thomozile is buried in Cato Manor. The City played an instrumental role in fulfilling the wishes of the King of locating his late mother’s remains and accord her the dignity she deserves. The Cato Manor Memorial Site, where the Queen Mother was reburied, has been developed into a fully fledged interactive cultural museum and heritage centre.

The centre aims to acknowledge and celebrate the role that was played by the Royal Zulu Household in the country’s liberation and in achieving peace in the province and the country. “On behalf of the people of eThekwini, we wish to convey our sympathy to Ondlunkulu, abaNtwana, aMakhosi and Izinduna for the untimely passing of His Majesty. We must find strength in the fact that Isilo left a legacy that we are proud of as a Zulu nation,” said Mayor Kaunda. He added that Isilo will be greatly missed for his guidance and leadership on issues of development. “The most appropriate way of paying homage to Ongangezwe Lakhe will be to ensure that we maintain peace in the province and build an inclusive economy that serves all his people,” Mayor Kaunda said.