An Appetite for the simple & traditional

As a keen farmer who takes an avid interest in his own vegetable gardens “to demonstrate to my people what must be done when it comes to agriculture”, the king has a palate for the goodness of the earth when it comes to his eating habits.

Although he is king, His Majesty is not a connoisseur of “fancy or sophisticated types of food”.  It is traditional African foods that mainly satiate his taste-buds.   Fresh fruit and vegetables are a particular culinary delight for the king a well as a steaming cup of black tea topped with a slice of lemon.

As the traditional head of his nation, though, the monarch says that he will eat whatever his subjects offer him.

The king is not much of a breakfast person and often gets by on lunch and supper.

The king is also tempted by spicy food and specialities form different countries.

“But I am not a big eater,” His Majesty states, adding that correct eating habits – coupled with the grace of God – have contributed to his sound health.

Relaxation

With a punishing schedule confronting the king day after hectic day, time spent on leisure or relaxation is absolutely minimal.  However, late-afternoon or early-morning walks in the bushveld around his palace are hailed by the king as “the best form of gym” and an integral means of de-stressing.  His Majesty also finds the pursuit of hunting to be most relaxing.  The Zulu monarch hunts at venues around South African and sometimes accompanies his brother-in-law, King Mswati III of Swaziland, on hunting expeditions in the neighbouring land-locked kingdom.

King Zwelithini’s most heralded conquest thus far is a lion shot at Eastern Transvaal in 1984. Zulu dancing is particularly enjoyable to His Majesty and he often leads the dancing at traditional functions such as the Reed Dance.  “Besides giving encouragement to the maidens and warriors of the kingdom, Zulu dancing also helps to stretch the muscles,” jokes the king.

Adopting physical activities as a form of relaxation is not surprising, considering the fact that the king led a fairly sporting life in his youth.  An accomplished footballer, His Majesty represented his school and combined schools’ team and also played for the Zulu royal soccer team known as “Zulu Power”.

As a tearway left-winger, the king often mesmerised opposition defences with his sublime skills and ball-wizardry. However, listening to orchestral music shortly before bedtime ranks as His Majesty’s most cherished form of relaxation.

Religion

An Anglican Christian, the devoutly religious King Zwelithini emphasises that it would have been impossible for him to survive the rigours of the past three decades without the blessings of God.

“Even on my busiest days I often isolate myself to pray for spiritual guidance.

There is no way that I could have negotiated the difficulties of the past thirty years without the divine guiding hand of the Almighty,

His Majesty emphatically states.

As the head of a multi-faith cosmopolitan community, the king accepts offerings of prayers from all religious groupings in his vast kingdom.


I do not discriminate and am receptive to the prayers of all my subjects,” adds the monarch.

Difficulties aplenty the king has certainly faced for the entire duration of his epic reign but he is adamant that he would not alter any aspect of his life.

Anyway, my life is not in my hands but inn God’s.  He is the ultimate master of my destiny,” says the king, underlining his complete reverence of and subservience to God.

Although His Majesty sometimes attends church services and prayer meetings, most of his praying is done within the privacy of his palaces.

Dress for Success

If clothes maketh a king, then the Zulu monarch is undoubtedly a monarch for all seasons.

Traditional functions hosted at the royal residence often sees king Zwelithini appear before his subjects in full traditional regalia.  Resplendent in his skins and customary headgear that symbolically allude to his stature as king, His Majesty cuts a powerful figure and rekindles the glory and greatness of the mighty Zulu kingdom through his traditional attire.

Meetings with business and political leader, however, sees the king trade custom for a more debonair image projected through some of the most chic and elegant items of western attire.

Much of the king’s fashionable wardrobe, though, has been gifted to him by his loyal and adoring subjects who often invite him to their boutiques to select items of clothing.  The king attributes his stately demeanour to his creative propensity to mix-and-match colours and different outfits.

Contrary to popular belief, the king does not rely on exquisite and expensive international designers for his highly acclaimed fashion sense.