Zulu King’s diplomatic push opens doors for KZN in West Africa

The appointment of Ulundi-born Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi as South Africa’s High Commissioner to Benin and Togo could open new opportunities to strengthen political, cultural and economic ties between KwaZulu-Natal and the two West African countries.

The Zulu Royal Vice Chancellor Prince Africa Zulu of Onkweni Royal Household said Buthelezi met Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the eMashobeni Royal Household shortly before leaving to take up his new diplomatic posting on Wednesday.

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Zulu said that during the meeting, the King urged Buthelezi to promote stronger co-operation between traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal and their counterparts in Benin and Togo.

He said the King also called for increased business and trade relations between South Africa, Benin and Togo, with a particular focus on creating tangible economic opportunities for communities, and believes diplomatic relations should translate into investment and development opportunities in sectors including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and infrastructure, while creating access to new markets for KZN businesses.

Zulu said the King wanted the High Commissioner to help establish direct platforms where amakhosi, business leaders and investors from the province could engage with their counterparts in Benin and Togo.

“KZN has enormous economic potential, and His Majesty’s wish is to see our province building stronger commercial relationships across the African continent,” he said.

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He said businesses in the province should explore opportunities in West Africa, while investors from Benin and Togo should consider opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal.

Traditional leaders could play a significant role in supporting these economic partnerships because they represent communities at the heart of the province’s agricultural, tourism and development potential.

“The diplomatic posting therefore presents an opportunity to connect KZN’s traditional leadership and business community with emerging markets and investment opportunities in West Africa,” he said.

Buthelezi confirmed his official assumption of duty at the South African embassy in the Republic of Benin on Wednesday.

He said he will meet with the Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs today and will present his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Benin, Romauld Wadagni, on Friday.

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Regarding my thoughts on His Majesty King Misuzulu’s wishes, I would like to thank uHlangalomhlabathi for his words of wisdom and encouragement for us to drive not only economic diplomacy for our country but also cultural diplomacy as well.

“Benin is known for its great history of the Abomey Kingdom that has shaped the country’s cultural heritage,” Buthelezi told The Witness on Wednesday.