We extend our deepest condolences to the royal family. His Majesty leaves a profound legacy of unity, stability and prosperity in our Province. Like his illustratious ancestor, King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, iSilo succeeded in bringing our people together at very difficult times in our history when the forces of division threatened to pull us further apart. As a visionary leader, His Majesty led us in finding a healthy balance between an elected multi-party democracy and traditional leadership. The widest participation in our historic 1994 election was in large part due to the behind the scenes interventions of His Majesty. Ever since his coronation in 1971, iSilo has been passionate about peace and development. In our democratic era, His Majesty was passionate that the fruits of freedom reach the furthest and most rural parts of our Province. The Human Settlements and Public Works portfolio received his considerable attention whether housing, water provision, roads, hospitals, clinics or schools.
iSilo insisted that no citizen was left behind when in came to infrastructure development. He was adamant that land be an instrument of radical socioeconomic transformation. Adding value to the land, food security and self sufficiency were articles of faith for His Majesty. As we mourn his passing, we must as a caring government advance his half-century legacy of growing KwaZulu-Natal together.