King Misuzulu has appointed the owner of an internationally renowned Durban restaurant as a Royal Chancellor.

Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo was officially introduced at the imbizo at Emashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola north-east of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.

He was introduced alongside Nododile Faku who now heads the king’s private office.

Mbambo’s responsibilities include advising His Majesty on political, economic and social matters, overseeing the administration of the kingdom, ensuring that the king’s directive and royal policies were effectively implemented.

He will play a supportive role to the traditional prime minister.

Also on Mbambo’s shoulders will be to forge business partnerships and economic initiatives to promote growth and community development.

He will also represent the king and the kingdom in diplomatic matters both locally and internationally to strengthen relations with other monarchies, governments and global institutions.

He would double-up as royal ambassador, serving as principal envoy to promote the kingdom’s interests, image, cultural heritage and of the Zulu kingdom on international platforms.

Reacting to the appointment, Mbambo said he was shocked and nervous when the king first told him about the appointment and responsibilities which come with the position because he never thought the king would entrust him with such huge responsibilities, however, he said he was humbled and honoured by the appointment and pledged to serve the Zulu nation diligently.

“I am humbled and honoured by the appointment. It never crossed my mind that one day His Majesty will entrust me with such an important position to serve the Zulu nation, nevertheless I commit myself to use all my capabilities for the benefit of the Zulu kingdom and the king’s subjects,” said Mbambo.

He is the first a black businessman to open a restaurant on upmarket and aspirational Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga, north of Durban.

The eatery serves traditional food and has become popular for introducing Isithebe Friday where traditional food is served on a wooden tray traditionally known as isithebe.

UMhlanga has been traditionally an affluent area of rich white people with few black people living in and frequenting the area.

The eatery was visited by the king just a month after it was opened and was recently invited to New York to showcase its traditional food.

Cape Times