Classic Love Story

CHAPTER 11

The following afternoon my sister and Xoli arrived. I was happy that they were here. Zenzo loved the suit I bought him. Can you believe that he hadn’t prepared anything? He just thought he would wear a formal shirt with pants and dress shoes. I literally rolled my eyes when he told me about his attire.
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We got ready for the funeral and then drove to KwaDlangezwa. The funeral was going to be held at the Bhekuzulu Hall inside the Unizulu campus. We collected the muffins I ordered from Enhle and then we drove to the Mkhwanazi homestead. I last saw Zenzo yesterday before my sister arrived.

When we got there, everyone was rushing up and down. I just called Winile and she came to the car. She hugged me and asked that we go inside. My guards carried the things I had brought. She told them where to put those things. When we were about to enter the room where the late king’s casket was in, I came to a halt. She frowned and looked at me.

“What is wrong?”
“I can’t go in. he was my father in law.” She nodded in understanding.

Nompilo went in to pay condolences on behalf of the Zulu family and then we drove to the hall where the service was going to be held. We waited in the cars. After a while the hearse followed by a number of cars drove in. the family together with the late king made their way inside the hall followed by a lot of people. After a few minutes, Thaziba came to our car. She indicated that I lower the window and I did so.

“The coast is clear, Your Highness. We can go inside now.” She said and I nodded.

I fixed my hat and then she opened the door for me. I climbed out. Nompilo and Xoli also climbed out of the car. The guards quickly surrounded us and we walked inside the hall using Gate 5. The MC was saying something but he stopped and bowed showing a sign of respect. I nearly rolled my eyes. That was dramatic. An usher quickly rushed to us and ushered us to the front seats opposite the Mkhwanazi family. I looked around and my eyes landed on Zenzo who just winked at me. I shook my head, hiding a smile and then went to sit down.

The programme commenced. While sitting and listening to the speakers, my tablet vibrated. It was an email from my family’s spokesperson, who is also babomncane Sakhumuzi. It was a document which contained a speech. He sent a message after that. ‘You are representing the family. Make us proud princess’. My eyes popped out and I turned to Nompilo. I showed her the message and speech and she just laughed quietly.

“What the fuck? I don’t do public speaking.” I whispered to her. She found all this amusing.
“You are going to represent the family. I can’t because I am no longer a Zulu.” She whispered back. “Look, even your name is included in the program.” I frowned and looked at the program. I didn’t see it before. I swallowed hard. I called Libongwe using my hands and she was next to me in an instant.

“Bring me bottled water and my reading glasses.” She nodded and walked out.

I took out my phone and sent a message to Zenzo. ‘Did you know about this?’ I looked at him to get a reaction. He just looked at me, chuckled and looked ahead. Fuck him. Libongwe came back with what I asked. After a few speakers, I was called to the front. Yoh. I felt like I was going to shit on myself. I was literally shaking. I got up and my guards accompanied me to the podium. I looked at everyone and then cleared my throat. I took off my specs and then put on my reading glasses.

“Greetings to everyone. I am Princess Lisakhanya Zulu. I was sent here by my family, especially my father. I am not one for public speaking, so I am just going to read what is written here by my father:

‘Sizwe sika Ndonga, Shamase, Madubandlela, Somlomoti, Nkwaliyenkosi, Sodilikazi. Siyiziswe sakwaZulu sikhala kanye nani. Sithi alwehlanga lungehlanga. King Mkhwanazi was a fearless leader. He led with courage, wisdom and was always optimistic. He didn’t mind showing weakness if it will mean him getting the help that he needed that time. We have led graciously with him and I hope Prince Zenzozendoda will be a great leader like his father was.”