King Zulu calls for cooperation

Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini has called on the government and opposition parties to work together to fight Covid-19.

The King said:

“I pray for the leaders of this nation and opposition parties to see the need for unity … We need to agree that if we don’t see eye to eye, we must put our differences aside and deal with them after we beat Covid-19. We need to by all means fight this virus.”

“Good leaders are those who listen to the people, as opposed to making decisions without listening to people – because this is not a war the government can win alone. The government is seated where they are seated and this virus is spreading to places the government cannot reach fast enough.”

“Our hospitals are full. We need to protect ourselves and help the government, which is trying to help us, by behaving. The virus is now airborne. There is a lot we can do to help the health system and decrease the big budgets that are being mentioned because of this virus.”

The monarch said this in a live Facebook broadcast to mark his 72nd birthday on Monday. His initial plan was to commemorate the day at the eMachobeni royal palace in Ngwavuma, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, but he was forced to cancel because of the lockdown restrictions.

He showed support for the government’s decision to close schools and he urged children to be careful and well behaved.

He also appreciated the health-care workers and their families for the sacrifices they have made.