Zulu monarchy and KZN Health unite to transform public healthcare
KWAZULU-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, Noluthando Nkosi from the Health Department, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, the king's wife-to-be, Princess Sihle Mdluli and Prince Thulani Zulu, the spokesperson of the monarch. The department met the royal family yesterday at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace, KwaNongoma, to strenghten ties on public health initiatives.
Image: KZN Department of Health
KWAZULU-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and his wife-to-be Princess Sihle Mdluli at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in KwaNongoma where the department and the monarchy forged a partnership that on public health initiatives.
Image: KZN Department of Health
His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has thrown his weight behind a renewed partnership between the Zulu monarchy and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, aimed at advancing public health initiatives across the province.
The King met Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane at the KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in KwaNongoma yesterday, in what is described as a “constructive and forward-looking” engagement between traditional leadership and government.
The two discussed a range of programmes currently being implemented in collaboration with the royal household, as well as new initiatives intended to address community health challenges, particularly among women and youth.
Simelane assured His Majesty that all existing partnerships would continue unhindered, including flagship campaigns such as the uMkhosi wokweShwama (First Fruits Festival), the re-engagement of patients who have defaulted on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, and the province’s male medical circumcision programme, an initiative revived by the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.
In addition, the department plans to introduce new programmes under the leadership of the king's wife-to-be, Princess Sihle Mdluli of the Mawewe Traditional Authority in Mpumalanga, focusing on the empowerment of young women and the promotion of self-worth and dignity.
The King praised the department’s outreach work and emphasised the importance of aligning modern healthcare with traditional leadership structures.
“We are especially pleased to hear the Honourable MEC reaffirm that the royal household is both a part of and an ambassador for all programmes that promote the health and wellbeing of the nation,” King Misuzulu said.
He further commended Simelane for her consistent presence at royal engagements and her efforts to ensure that government services remain accessible to ordinary people.
The partnership between the monarchy and the provincial government is expected to bolster ongoing public health campaigns and deepen collaboration with traditional healers, who play a key role in many rural communities.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE