Through my eyes

"The journey of the soul entails both plains and valleys, many are willing to traverse the plains, but only those who brave the valleys complete the journey." This is a paragraph from HRH Prince Buthelezi's Biography, written by Ben Temkin.

Sitting with Prince Buthelezi, who is soon to celebrate his 90th birthday, was an awesome experience. Fixing the microphone onto his perfectly pressed suit and adjusting his collar, I was on my knees before HRH, as close as any person can get to this man, who has seen so much change and who has done so much for the people of this country.

I looked deep into his eyes and I was mesmerised by the warm, depth and the blue ring that shapes his iris. I was in awe and my eyes welled up with tears. HRH was surrounded by photos and memorabilia of the years he spent as the IFP Leader, and a controversial freedom fighter.

I had done a minute amount of research into the camps and the murders in KZN, about the Caprivi Training, the Self-protection Units and the Toaster Gang, but I will require years to study the details and to be honest, after meeting him I do not want to be chasing the past. I want to sit by his side and listen to the stories of a monarchy that endured such hardships.

"The Buthelezi like many other clans, had been welded into the Zulu nation by force. Among the most spirited and most warlike of the Nguni clans that inhabited the hills of Zululand, they had brought a new intelligence to the practice of raiding cattle and harassing neighbouring clans. Shaka, the first King of the Zulu and the man who forged the Zulu nation, sent his Impis, time and again, to fight and destroy the Buthelezi. But time and again the Buthelezi were not to be found where the spies and scouts said they would be. All too often Shaka's Impis found themselves trapped in narrow valleys at both ends of which the fierce Buthelezi were waiting for the kill. Many of the pride of Shaka's Impis fell in these battles" an excerpt taken from his book.

Today, the softly spoken and immensely charming prince is a man who has few regrets. He speaks fondly of his nephew, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, who is the reigning King of the Zulu nation under the Traditional Leadership clause of South Africa's republican constitution.

He is devout to his faith and his wife. He speaks fondly of his children. He watches what he eats and he still tries to practice yoga regularly and for all that, I respect the man.

"God bless Africa, God bless all her children, strength in the struggle, hope for the future, power is ours, Amanndla! Ngawethu! Matla! Arona!"