• King Misuzulu met Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi in Nongoma to discuss plans to improve health services and expand care in rural areas.

• The King says traditional leaders will support health programmes like HIV awareness, TB prevention and young women’s empowerment.

The Zulu King has teamed up with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to bring better healthcare to communities under traditional leadership.

On Tuesday, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini met Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi at kwaKhangela Amankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma to discuss how to improve healthcare across the province.

The King said the partnership shows his commitment to strengthening cooperation between the Zulu monarchy and the department to ensure better healthcare, especially in rural areas.

Their discussions focused on expanding clinics, promoting healthy living and combining traditional and modern medicine to serve communities better.

The King said traditional leaders can help spread health messages and support campaigns on HIV and Aids, tuberculosis, maternal care and other serious diseases.

Simelane-Mngadi said the department will continue its current health programmes, including the uMkhosi wokweShwama (First Fruits Festival) health campaign, HIV treatment follow-ups and the province’s medical circumcision drive – a programme started by the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.

The department also plans new initiatives led by the King’s fiancée, Princess Sihle Mdluli, to empower young women and promote self-respect and dignity.

King Misuzulu praised the health department’s efforts and said the partnership will make a difference in people’s lives.

“We are pleased that the royal household is an ambassador for all programmes that promote the health and wellbeing of the nation,” the King said.

Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi meet at kwaKhangela Amankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma.

Image source: Zulu Royal Kingdom