Promoting rural development

“Investors often do not consider capital outlays in the rural areas.  They usually prefer the cities where the airports, sea-ports, railway lines and good roads are,” states His Majesty.

Against this ruinous background of rural neglect, the king has consistently endeavoured to bring development and economic upliftment to the poorest of the rural-based poor in his kingdom.  “I do not believe that anyone should be fighting political ends that does not feed the nation,” says King Zwelithini.

His Majesty’s ultimate goal is to see every individual who possesses land to produce food for the nation and for his subjects to become more pro-active in food production.  The king is also keen to obtain international agricultural experts who would conduct feasibility studies and compile business plans for the entire kingdom as a forerunner to export markets opening up.

“But only if we help ourselves will the outside world consider helping us,” contends the longest reigning Zulu monarch.