This weekend also saw the launch of a book that records the life of Ishwar Ramlutchman and the philanthropic work he has done:By PressReader.com

Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu shared a close relationship with Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi who, at some point, introduced him to the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini.The bond between the late king and Ramlutchman grew to the extent that the king adopted Ramlutchman as his son and gave him the name Mabheka Zulu.

He made him the first Indian South African to be adopted by the Zulu Royal Monarch and to receive the Zulu Royal Orders.As the late king pointed out in a tribute that is published in the book: “Through his actions he denounced two great evils…hatred and ignorance.

We are proud to see Mabheka join the regiments and amabutho during our various cultural ceremonies.

“To the hundreds of regiments, Mabheka is not an Indian but, as they call him, umfowethu (our own) or insizwa enye (one of us) which is a great affirmation that he is one of them.”While embracing Zulu culture, Ramlutchman has maintained his Hindu heritage.What’s more, he shared his religion and culture and, as a result, the late king regularly hosted a Diwali celebration at the palace.