South Africa: Triple monument of Mandela, Sivananda, Zulu King unveiled
What's the story
A triple monument, as a mark of respect to the former South African President Nelson Mandela, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini and spiritual leader Swami Sivananda, was unveiled in a public park in Durban on Thursday.
Besides the first busts erected together of Mandela and Zwelithini, there's also the latest Sivananda Peace Pillar, a project initiated by South African Indian-origin philanthropist and businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman.
Details
Ramlutchman also anointed as Zulu King's adopted son
Ramlutchman has also been anointed as an adopted son of the Zulu King, acquiring the title Mabheka Zulu.
"I've been associated with the Zulu monarch since I was 20 years old. I was touched by the contribution of His Majesty and Dr. Nelson Mandela to society and decided to honor them by commissioning this monument of peace in honor of them," Ramlutchman said.
Trivia
The Dalai Lama gave unconditional support for this, says Ramlutchman
Zwelithini commended Ramlutchman for having installed 14 Sivananda Peace Pillars across the KwaZulu-Natal province.
"The Sivananda Peace Pillars are a beacon of unity in diversity," Ramlutchman said, adding that he was humbled when the Dalai Lama gave his unconditional support for the project.
Ramlutchman said the latest monument would also include a plaque commemorating the first Indian indentured-laborers who arrived in Durban in 1860.