PRINCE Nhlanganiso Zulu, the son of South Africa’s King Goodwill Zwelithini, has said Zimbabweans are welcome in the neighbouring country at any time.
The Prince, who was addressing tens of thousands of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members who converged at Defe Dopota in Gokwe South as the church marked 40 years since the death of its founder Reverend Samuel Mutendi over the weekend, blamed negative reporting by the media for fuelling attacks on foreigners in South Africa last year.
The Zulu prince, who was invited to grace the gathering dubbed Zuva ra Samere (Samuel day) @40 which attracted people from all walks of life with some coming from African countries, the United States and the United Kingdom, said he wished a good stay for Zimbabweans in South Africa.
“I’m delighted to be here at this wonderful gathering. We want a peaceful continent and leaders who fear God. I wish a good stay for Zimbabweans in South Africa. Zimbabweans are welcome in South Africa at any time. My father represents 20 million Zulus and he is a very peaceful man despite a lot of negative things reported in the media,” he said.
Prince Nhlanganiso, who was accompanied by Princess Wandile Mkhize, said a peaceful nation was a prosperous nation. His father, King Zwelithini, was blamed for inciting deadly xenophobic violence in South Africa last year.
He, however, said he had been misquoted when he was quoted as saying, “foreigners must pack their bags and go home” during a speech last year.
The influential monarch was accused of sparking the attacks that left at least seven people dead and displaced more than 5 000. However, King Zwelithini said the remarks, made in the Zulu language, had been misconstrued and only referred to the deportation of illegal immigrants.
Addressing the same pilgrims at the closing ceremony, Dr Mutendi encouraged people to promote peace and love from the family level to national level.
He said the nation needs peace at all costs.
Dr Mutendi encouraged Zimbabweans to work for their families, church and their nation saying people should not be used by outsiders to cause mayhem and disorder in the country.
He said some foreigners protect their countries and their leaders but come here to use locals to do the opposite.
Rev Mutendi founded the ZCC in 1913 and died in 1976
- Chronicle
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