Biography
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 pivotal 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 was also active in politics, serving as a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party and served as traditional prime minister in his native KwaZulu from 1981 to 1994.
Goodwill Zwelithini’s legacy includes his long reign and commitment to supporting and educating the Zulu people in KwaZulu-Natal.
King of the Zulu people
Goodwill Zwelithini |
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 Goodwill Zwelithini: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu |
| Stage name: | Goodwill Zwelithini |
| Born: | July 14, 1948 (age 72) |
| Place of birth: | Nongoma, South Africa |
| Deceased: | March 12, 2021, Durban, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South Africa |
| Education: | Bekezulu College of Chiefs |
| Height: | 1.59 minutes |
| 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 have |
| The 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 people |
| Net worth: | 20 million dollars (USD) |
Early life and education
Born on 27 July 1948, in Zulu Township, South Africa, Goodwill Zwelithini was raised by his parents, Cyprian Bhekuzulu and Thomozile Jezangani kaNdwandwe. His surname happens to be kaBhekuzulu.
Raised with his siblings Prince Mbonisi kaBhekuzulu, Prince Mathuba KaBhekuzulu and Prince Vulindlela kaBhekuzulu, with his grandfather Solomon kaDinuzulu, Goodwill was crowned King of the Zulus in 1968, a position he held until his death on 12 March 2021.
Goodwill Zwelithini’s education was rooted in tradition, as he attended Bekezulu College of Chiefsreceived comprehensive training in Zulu customs. His educational journey also included private tutoring to enhance his understanding of traditional practices.
Additionally, his exposure to Western-style subjects such as English and history gave him a broader perspective. Armed with a comprehensive education, Goodwill Zwelithini became a highly respected and knowledgeable leader of the Zulu nation.
Career
Goodwill Zwelithini served as a respected Zulu king for over 50 years, leading the Zulu people through an era of stability and prosperity. His commitment to preserving traditional values and promoting cultural heritage defined his reign.
In addition to his role as a traditional leader, he demonstrated his philanthropic spirit through his charitable activities, helping those in need. Goodwill left a significant legacy and is remembered for his great contributions to the promotion and preservation of Zulu culture.
Within the Zulu community, Goodwill Zwelithini holds two important positions. First, as president of the Ingonyama Trusta corporate entity that traditionally manages land, he ensures its use for the benefit of the Zulu people. Secondly, he holds the position of head Zulu National Councilthe highest traditional authority, giving him influential decision-making power and a key role in shaping the future of the community.
Personal life
Goodwill Zwelithini, the seventh Zulu king, had a personal life as varied and eventful as his official role. During his lifetime, he had six marriages and fathered at least eleven 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 are 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 was fearless in expressing his views on a wide range of subjects, firmly upholding Zulu traditions and speaking out against perceived threats to their culture. Although a widely revered figure, he was controversial, particularly over his views on women and his extravagant lifestyle. However, within the Zulu community, he was widely seen as a symbol of unity and pride, representing traditional values.
Sadly, upon his passing in 2021 at the age of 72, Goodwill Zwelithini left behind a legacy that many will remember and cherish in their hearts.
Net worth
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 multiple real estate properties he owned.
Additionally, the Zulu royal family’s annual budget, funded by the South African government, is also considered part of his total wealth. Although he passed away in 2021, King Goodwill Zwelithini’s legacy as a prosperous and influential figure in the Zulu community will certainly endure for many years to come.
