ZULU King Goodwill Zwelithini has urged churches and other religious groups to pray for the wellbeing of the country.
Addressing thousands of Zulu Congregation Church members in Caluza township, Pietermaritzburg on Saturday, the king said some of the greatest challenges facing humanity can only be defeated through prayer.
“Youngsters look like older men because of the scourge of drug abuse and whoonga that is killing them,” said Zwelithini.
The church was founded in 1896 when church members approached the then Zulu king Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo to use the Zulu name in naming the church and the wish was granted.
Zwelithini said because of such history, the church has close ties with the royal family and the Zulu nation, and should be at the forefront of protecting the nation from all forms of ills.
“Over the past years, different churches and other religious leaders have visited the royal house to conduct prayers.
“I expect leaders of this church to be part of this process aimed at protecting the nation,” he said.
KZN MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, added that it was important for the church to instil moral values into young people.
“It is disheartening to see that young people have lost their conscience and are doing evil deeds.
“As the church and parents, let us condemn bad behaviour,” he said.
A special prayer was conducted for the king who has been at the helm of the throne for 45 years.
