Karen Singh | Published 1 day ago
AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is set to join thousands of participants at the Sivananda World Peace Foundation's 12th International Day of Yoga celebration in Durban later this month, lending royal support to an event organisers say promotes wellness, social cohesion, and global peace.
The King's office confirmed this week that he will attend the gathering at Durban's Amphitheatre on June 21, where between 4,000 and 5,000 people are expected to take part in what has become South Africa's largest annual International Day of Yoga celebration.
This year's event will be held under the local theme, "Yoga for Anti-Ageing", highlighting the role of yoga in promoting healthy ageing, stress reduction, and overall well-being.
In a statement, the King encouraged South Africans, particularly young people and senior citizens, to embrace yoga as part of a healthier lifestyle.
"Yoga promotes social cohesion and harmony among our people, and I am impressed by the foundation's work in rural communities, schools, and religious institutions. Yoga is a powerful tool for healthy ageing, reducing stress, and improving focus. I will, this year, join the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and millions of people across the world to encourage people to adopt yoga as a healthy lifestyle," the King said.
The King's participation continues a relationship between the Zulu Royal Household and the annual event, which has grown steadily over the past decade.
The celebration is organised by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation under the leadership of Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, a member of the Zulu Royal Household and founding president of the organisation.
For the past 12 years, the foundation has spearheaded South Africa's official observance of International Day of Yoga, expanding its outreach beyond annual celebrations into schools, rural communities, and religious institutions across KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the foundation, its programmes aim to equip communities with practical tools to improve physical and mental well-being while fostering unity among people from different cultural and religious backgrounds.
The organisation says its school-based programmes have also produced encouraging results, with yoga and meditation being used to improve concentration, memory, and academic performance.
The Durban event will coincide with the United Nations' International Day of Yoga, which was established in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and later adopted by the UN General Assembly.
Organisers have positioned this year's celebration as both a wellness event and a platform for promoting social cohesion.
Previous editions have featured a blend of yoga demonstrations, meditation sessions, and cultural performances showcasing South Africa's diversity. This year's programme is expected to include Zulu and Indian cultural performances as a symbol of unity across communities.
The event has also received support from a number of prominent leaders.
Alongside the King's attendance, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli is expected to participate for a third consecutive year, while His Holiness Inkosi Mduduzi "uNyazilwezulu" Shembe of the Nazareth Baptist Church has previously endorsed the initiative.
Earlier this month, the foundation partnered with the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority to host a yoga and wellness programme at the World Heritage Site , linking environmental conservation with personal well-being.
Speaking at the event, Ramlutchman said yoga encourages a deeper connection between people and nature while promoting collective responsibility for protecting South Africa's natural heritage.
For organisers, however, the primary focus remains on bringing people together.
The foundation says the annual gathering has evolved into one of the country's largest community wellness events, providing free access to yoga instruction and encouraging South Africans from all backgrounds to participate.
Members of the public have been invited to attend the Durban celebration, which organisers hope will reinforce messages of peace, healthy living, and national unity.
The event will begin at 9am on June 21 at the Durban Amphitheatre.
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