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Today, I paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at Emashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola, together with DA National Chairperson Solly Msimanga, DA Leader in KwaZulu Natal, Sithembiso Ngema, and DA Provincial Chairperson, Dean Macpherson, to affirm the DA’s respect for the institution of traditional leadership and its important role in the lives of millions of South Africans.

It was an honour to give my respects to the Zulu Nation, one of the great cultural communities of our country, of Africa and indeed the world.

The story of the Zulu Nation is one of pride, courage and deep history. For generations, Zulu culture, language and customs have given millions of people a deep sense of identity and belonging. That heritage is something to be celebrated and protected.

Our message to the Zulu Nation is that the greatest tribute we can pay to the generations who came before us is not only to preserve their legacy, but to build a future of prosperity, work and safety for all.

A DA-led national government would deeply respect this legacy and heritage, and work to build a future of greater prosperity for all in the Zulu nation, and in South Africa. A future in which young people can find work, families can live in safety, children can receive a quality education, and communities can prosper. It is also one where citizens are able to rest in comfort that the land they reside on, can be a productive asset, used to leverage finance as a means to improve their lives.

Culture gives us our roots. Good government gives us the opportunity to flourish. Together, they can help build a country that works for all its people.

I look forward to strengthening the bonds of mutual respect and working together for a better future for all South Africans.

Following this visit, I will continue engaging with leaders and communities across South Africa as part of the DA’s work to build a country that works for everyone.

These engagements are about listening, building trust, and finding common ground around the things that matter most to people: jobs, safety, dignity, service delivery and opportunity.

South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is home to many cultures, languages, histories and traditions. The DA respects the institution of traditional leadership, and we believe that all legitimate institutions in our society have a role to play in advancing development, strengthening communities and building a shared future.

We can build one South Africa that honours who we are and delivers what people need. That is the country I am working to build.

Issued by Geordin Hill-Lewis - Leader of the Democratic Alliance