Exclusive Portraits of a Reigning Zulu Monarch

His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill Khabhekzulu

Overview

Celebrated photographer, David Dodds, has had his work feature prominently and to great acclaim in local and international media. But among the work of which he is most proud are his exclusive photographic portraits of the Zulu monarch, His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu, ruler of the magnificent lands of KwaZulu-Natal.

Protocols

As Zulu monarch, King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu features in hundreds of official photographs that chronicle his official functions – but there are few that place a truly human face on the Zulu monarchy; that convey His Majesty’s warmth and charm.

It was this realisation that spurred photographer David Dodds and Thanda CEO Pierre Delvaux to drive through the bush to the palace in Ulundi.

Pierre, who has a long-standing relationship with His Majesty, broached the subject respectfully – knowing full well that, in light of royal protocols and security, he’d be lucky indeed to get an impromptu photographic sitting. But the King’s abiding trust in Thanda Royal Zulu made all the difference.

The shoot

David Dodds intended to draw on his 20 years of photographing people to convey the King’s humanity, accessibility and charisma. But he faced twin challenges. The first was the time constraint of only 15 minutes with the King and the second, the possibility that – like many subjects – the King would not enjoy being photographed.

Finely tuned to both of these factors, David drew on every facet of his considerable skill set and shot until he believed he had what he needed: “I thought to myself, ‘I’ll know when I’ve got it – time to stop’. And I thanked the King, deeply grateful for getting those precious 15 minutes under high-pressure circumstances”, says David.

Background

King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu became king upon the death of his father, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon, in 1968. However, only after his 21st birthday and his marriage, was Zwelithini formally installed as the eighth Zulu monarch, in a traditional ceremony on 3 December 1971, with 20 000 people to bear witness.

As constitutional monarch of the kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu is the head of the Ubukhosi (‘monarchy’), the institution of traditional leadership. His leadership role also entails his chairmanship of the Usuthu Tribal Authority and Nongoma Regional Authority.

In addition, as the custodian of Zulu traditions and customs, Zwelithini has revived cultural functions like the Umhlanga, the colourful and symbolic reed dance that promotes moral awareness and AIDS education among Zulu women, and the Ukweshwama, the first fruits ceremony, a traditional function involving meaningful rituals.