Biography of King Goodwill Zwelithini: Parents, Wife, Age, Children, Cause of Death, Education, Son, Surname

Story

Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu (born 14 July 1948), who reigned as Zulu King for an unprecedented 50 years from 1971 until his death in 2021, played a key role in South Africa.

Ascending the throne at the age of 20 in 1968 after the death of his father, King Zwelithini became the longest-reigning Zulu king in history. In addition to his traditional leadership role, he also actively participated in politics, being a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party and served as traditional prime minister in his homeland of KwaZulu from 1981 to 1994.

Goodwill Zwelithini’s legacy includes his long reign and commitment to advocacy and education of the Zulu people in KwaZulu-Natal.

King of the Zulu nation

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Goodwill Zwelithini: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos
Wiki Info & About Data
First and last name: Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu
Stage name: Goodwill Zwelithini
Born: July 14, 1948 (age 72)
Place of birth: Nongoma, South Africa
Die: March 12, 2021, Durban, South Africa
Nationality: South Africa
Education: Bekezulu Chief College
Height: 1.59 m
Parents: Cyprian Bhekuzulu, Thomozile Jezangani kaNdwandwe
Siblings: Vulindlela kaBhekuzulu, Mathuba KaBhekuzulu, Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu
Couple: Zola Zelusiwe Mafu (m. 2014), Nompumelelo Mchiza (m. 1992), Mantfombi Dlamini (m. 1973), Sibongile Winifred Dlamini (m. 1969), Buthle MaMathe (m. 2002), Thandekile Jane Ndlovu
Girlfriend • Partner: do not apply
Children: Misuzulu Zulu, Lethukuthula Zulu, Phumuzuzulu, Ntandoyesizwe Zulu, Nandi Zulu, Nombuso Zulu, Sibusile Zulu, Shlobosenkosi Zulu, Ntombizosuthu Ka Zwelithini Duma, Sinethemba Bati Zulu, Ntandoyenkosi Kazwelithini Ngcaweni
Job: King of the Zulu nation
Net value: 20 million USD (USD)

Early Life & Education

Born on July 27, 1948, in the town of Zulu, South Africa, Goodwill Zwelithini was raised by his parents Cyprian Bhekuzulu and Thomozile Jezangani kaNdwandwe. His surname happens to be kaBhekuzulu.

Raised alongside siblings Prince Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu, Prince Mathuba KaBhekuzulu and Prince Vulindlela kaBhekuzulu, with a grandfather named Solomon kaDinuzulu, Goodwill ascended the throne as King of the Zulus in 1968, a position he held until his death on March 12, 2021.

Goodwill Zwelithini’s education was rooted in tradition as he studied at Bekezulu Chief College, received comprehensive training in Zulu customs. His educational journey also involved private tutoring to enhance his understanding of traditional practices.

Additionally, exposure to Western-style subjects such as English and history gave him a broader perspective. Armed with a well-rounded education, Goodwill Zwelithini became a highly respected and knowledgeable leader of the Zulu nation.

Career

Goodwill Zwelithini served as the revered Zulu king for more than 50 years, leading the Zulu people through an era of stability and prosperity. A commitment to preserving traditional values ​​and promoting cultural heritage defined his reign.

In addition to his role as a traditional leader, he also demonstrated his philanthropic spirit through his charitable efforts, helping those in need. Goodwill left a remarkable legacy and is remembered for his significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Zulu culture.

In the Zulu community, Goodwill Zwelithini holds two important positions. First, as Chairman of the People’s Committee Ingonyama Trust, a corporate entity that manages traditionally owned land, he ensures its use for the benefit of the Zulu people. Second, he holds the position of head Zulu National Councilthe highest traditional authority, giving him influential decision-making authority and an important role in shaping the future of the community.

Personal life

Goodwill Zwelithini, the seventh Zulu king, had a personal life as diverse and vibrant as his official role. During his life, he had six marriages and fathered at least 11 children.

His wives include Sibongile Winifred Dlamini (married 1969), Mantfombi Dlamini (married 1973), Nompumelelo Mchiza (married 1992), Thandikela Jane Ndlovu, Buthle MaMathe (married 2002) and Zola Zelusiwe Mafu (married 2014). The eleven children born to Goodwill Zwelithini were Misuzulu Zulu, Lethukuthula Zulu, Phumuzuzulu, Ntandoyesizwe Zulu, Nandi Zulu, Nombuso Zulu, Sibusile Zulu, Shlobosenkosi Zulu, Ntombizosuthu Ka Zwelithini Duma, Sinethemba Bati Zulu and Ntandoyenkosi Kazwelithini Ngcaweni.

Known for his outspoken nature, Goodwill Zwelithini has not been shy about expressing his views on a variety of topics, firmly supporting Zulu traditions and speaking out against threats to culture their. Although he was a widely respected figure, there was still much controversy surrounding him, especially regarding his views on women and his lavish lifestyle. However, within the Zulu community, he is seen by many as a symbol of unity and pride, embodying traditional values.

Sadly, after passing away in 2021 at the age of 72, Goodwill Zwelithini left behind a legacy that will be remembered and cherished in the hearts of many.

Net value

The late king of the Zulu Nation, Goodwill Zwelithini, was a wealthy individual with an estimated net worth of over $20 million. This amount represents his assets, including investments and many properties in his possession.

In addition, the Zulu royal family’s annual budget funded by the South African government is also considered part of his total assets. Although he passed away in 2021, King Goodwill Zwelithini’s legacy as a prosperous and influential figure in the Zulu community will certainly live on for many years.

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