Chief Zondi: From business leader to king's confidant

HISTORY is repeating itself in the Bhambatha clan, as the descendant of the great Zulu warrior chief Bhambatha has been appointed and installed as His Majesty Misuzulu ka Zwelithini's trusted confidante.

- SIPHO JACK

CHIEF Zondi (left) has been installed as the King of the Bhambatha clan.

(Sipho Jack)

Chief/Inkosi Malusi Zondi has been installed as the King of the Bhambatha clan, and was tasked with restoring law and order and serving as a voice for rural matters.

The two royalties have taken inspiration from their forefathers, King Bhambatha and King Dinuzulu KaCetshwayo, who, between 1906 and 1910, decided to collaborate against the injustices meted out to their communities.

They fought against the Natal colonial administration for imposing taxation policies on the Zulu nation, which exacerbated ongoing economic crises.

Just like his forefather, Chief Zondi championed the emancipation of Black business leaders through his tenure with the Black Business Federation (BBF), which created a pathway and highlighted the power of organised business voices in shaping policy dialogue, access to capital, and market opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

Chief Zondi is a testament to the idiom that says, "an apple doesn't fall far from the tree," meaning that a son will have similar characteristics to those of his father.