King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has granted the Democratic Alliance (DA) his blessing to campaign in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the upcoming local government elections. The endorsement followed a courtesy visit by DA leadership to the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola, where the party presented two cows as a traditional gift to the Zulu monarch.
The delegation was led by DA Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis alongside the party’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial leadership. During the meeting, Hill-Lewis stated that the visit aimed to pay respects to His Majesty, introduce the newly elected federal leadership, and reaffirm the DA’s deep respect for the Zulu royal house and nation. “We understand that this is a deeply significant cultural institution that means a great deal to many millions of South Africans,” Hill-Lewis said. He emphasized that even should the DA become the largest party nationally, it would maintain this relationship of respect and honor. He added that the best way to honor the Zulu nation is “to build a government that works for everyone that delivers services, that delivers safety, that delivers work opportunities and a growing economy.”
The DA announced plans to campaign extensively across KwaZulu-Natal, including rural areas, and has identified at least five municipalities where it aims to gain control in the local elections. The party further stated that, despite concerns regarding political killings in the province, it will not be intimidated and remains committed to active campaigning.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini used the occasion to call for peace and stability across South Africa, acknowledging the current climate of confusion. “We need peace and stability in the country and that we support our president [in] everything that he does,” the King stated. He encouraged the DA to work closely with the national presidency during this critical pre-election period.
While this was not the first courtesy visit by the DA to the Zulu monarch, it marked the first meeting between King Misuzulu and the party’s newly elected federal leadership. The engagement highlights the DA’s strategic efforts to strengthen its presence beyond traditional strongholds and engage constructively with traditional leadership structures throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
