American ambassador Reuben Brigety paid a courtesy visit to Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini in Nongoma in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
They discussed the interest of the US in building relations with the Zulu Kingdom.
Brigety told King Misuzulu that his country admires the Zulu nation as the most influential royal house in South Africa.
He said his main purpose was to learn about Zulu culture to mark Heritage Month. His Majesty took the time to educate Brigety about the Zulu nation’s cultural activities.
Brigety was accompanied by American consul general Josie Ratcliffe, who is based in Durban.
He told King Misuzulu that his country was willing to work hand-in-hand with the Zulu monarch for economic development in his province.
The US government is already pumping millions of dollars into KwaZulu-Natal through its agricultural programmes in rural areas, which are championed by Ratcliffe.
During the meeting Brigety told King Misuzulu that he was impressed with Zulu culture and he decided to follow in the footsteps of other prominent Americans, such as Oprah Winfrey, who have visited the Zulu monarch before.
Brigety’s reputation took a knock last year after he claimed that South Africa had provided weapons to Russia through the Russian ship Lady R, which docked at the Simon’s Town naval base in Cape Town in December 2023.
This led to a call from the EFF and the ANC to expel Brigety from South Africa. Diplomatic interventions ended with an apology from the ambassador.
On Tuesday at the kwaKhangela Amankengane Royal Palace, Brigety reported to the King that he had a good time when he visited Sodwana Bay.
“I did a scuba dive and managed to take some beautiful pictures under your sea of Sodwana Bay for you, Your Majesty,” said Brigety.
He presented the King with the pictures he took.
In exchange, King Misuzulu gave Brigety a gift of a painting that depicts the life of the Zulu people.
His Majesty also took time to educate Brigety about cultural activities of the Zulu nation and kingdom.
Pictured above: American ambassador Reuben Brigety and consul general Josie Ratcliffe met with the King at the KwaKhangela Amankengane Royal Palace.
