In moments like this, I miss the presence of my mother, Princess Constance
Magogo ka Dinuzulu, for she, far better than I, could describe the beauty of
love. Songs of love bubbled up within my mother's heart and anyone who heard
her sing, accompanied by her ugubhu, felt the tug of deep emotions. It would
be fitting for Princess Magogo's love songs to be sung today, for this
joyful celebration is truly a celebration of our traditions, culture and
values.

As perhaps one of the last uncles of His Majesty the King of the Zulu
Nation, it is my privilege to thank our King for gathering us in this way,
so that we might partake in his great happiness.

It is valuable for His Majesty's people to witness celebrations of this
kind, so that we may all experience the richness of our heritage. Our King
is not merely a husband taking a wife. He is the symbol of continuity and
unity in our nation. Through him we are linked to the great kings of our
past, and through him will come the great kings of our future. Thus the
marriage of our King is a significant event not only for the King and his
bride, but for the whole of our nation, past, present and future.

We who are gathered thank Queen Mantfombi for guiding Queen Zola and for
preparing her in the early years to become our King's sixth wife. Today, we
celebrate Queen Zola, knowing that she will continue to bring honour to the
Zulu Royal Family and to the Mafu family as well. We celebrate her place
among His Majesty's wives and applaud our King for choosing such a strong
and healthy young woman to represent our nation. We admire His Majesty for
always having such a good eye for such beautiful women, who today are our
queens.

As this marriage commitment is demonstrated before us, we the Amakhosi,
Indunas and members of the royal family offer our heartfelt congratulations.
We wish our King and his young wife tremendous joy and many years of
blessings. May love be ever between them, and may they know the fulfilment
of selfless commitment.

We congratulate, most heartily, His Majesty our King.