Among the various Nguni tribes in South Africa, the Zulu are a prominent group. We need to explore what occurs in these nations after the death of their rulers.
Even after their passing, kings are often revered more than they were when alive. The recent death of King Goodwill Zwelithini of Swaziland at the age of 72 revealed the customs and beliefs surrounding the leadership of these figures.
His funeral was discreet and attended by very few loyal subjects. In contrast, the burial of the king’s father was more open...READ FULL; FROM THE SOURCE.
Discussing funeral practices offers insight into the lives of those who served these kings. In Zulu culture, “ukutshalwa” refers to a funeral, meaning “placing the king’s body,” indicating that the king’s death does not signify an end to his kingdom.
To highlight the ongoing nature of their reign, the term “kneeling” (ukukhothama) is preferred over “burial.” This reflects the belief that the deceased king will eventually succeed the current ruler. The community views their late king as now joining their ancestors.
The loyalty of the monarch’s subjects is unwavering and provides support during both joyous and sorrowful times. It is common for people to present pigs or other tributes for the community to share during the king’s funeral, and they often engage in singing and dancing to honor their fallen leader. They take pride in their ability to perform vocally during these tributes.
Funeral ceremonies typically involve religious practices. Even royal family members are prohibited from public discussion of these events. Apart from a few soldiers from another regiment, very few people witness these rituals, and the exact number of royal burials remains unknown. Thus, no one knows where the kings are buried, as the Zulu culture does not welcome tourists at their monarchs’ graves.
Zwelithini’s commitment to preserving Zulu traditions made his death particularly poignant for the community. His passing, like that of other revered Zulu chieftains, is regarded as a transition to the next life.
This ritualized secrecy maintains the royal family’s ignorance regarding these events, except for essential details. Over time, rivalries among heirs of kings with multiple wives have intensified, and the succession line remains unclear.
