While South Africa has emerged as one of the fiercest critics of Israel worldwide, other African countries have pushed back and are now further strengthening ties with Israel
The statement was intended to counter the African Union and South Africa, which has accused Israel of committing genocide in the International Court of Justice.
'King Zwelithini will also be gratefully remembered by the Jewish community, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, as a warm and generous friend whose door was always open.'