The University of Zululand has recognized the extensive philanthropic work undertaken by His Royal Majesty, King Zwelithini Goodwill, to alleviate poverty and sufferings amongst his subjects. To acknowledge the leadership of King Zwelithini, His Royal Majesty will be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Social Work (honoris causa). To commemorate this grand historic event, the University of Zululand will bestow the award on the inaugural day of the week long graduation ceremony which is slated to take place as at a special graduation ceremony on the 4th May at the Kwa-Dlangezwa Campus.

King Zwelithini is the eighth monarch of the Mighty Zulu Kingdom, his father is King Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon. The King is also the Chairman of the Ingonyama Trust, a corporate entity established to administer the land traditionally owned by the king for the benefit, material welfare and social well-being of the Zulu nation. As the custodian of Zulu traditions and customs, King Zwelithini has revived cultural practices such as the Umhlanga, the colorful and symbolic reed dance ceremony which, amongst other things, promotes moral awareness and AIDS education among Zulu women. Ukweshwama is another age old tradition that he has revitalized which speaks to young men to promote HIV awareness during the celebrations of the first fruit ceremony. His Majesty’s age old practice of circumcision has been globally recognized by the World Health Organization one of the partial interventions to prevent new infections.

The University Vice-Chancellor, Prof X Mtose said” We are beyond delighted to be recognizing His Royal Highness for his humanitarian endevours”. His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Social Work for his far reaching vision and vital contribution in combating social ills amongst the Youth and the Society at large. He founded the Bayethe Trust in 2006, the primary focus of the Trust has been to derive interventions on impact of HIV/AIDs throughout the Province via partners and collaborators.

Rhana Naicker, CEO of the Bayethe Foundation says the King accepts the honour from the University with humility, “His Majesty is very humbled to accept this honorary doctorate because it is important to maintain the strong links with this knowledge hub. We have high expectations of the University to contribute to the education of our people and to advance research and innovation in ways that will support our aspirations and benefit our communities. This honour recognises our partnership and is a testimony of UBUNTU concept that the King lives and breathe”. For more information on how you can get involved in community outreach activities send your emails to info@bayedefoundaion.org