Preserving Zulu pride

Hundreds of Zulus were reminded how proud they should be to belong to the Zulu nation at the King Shaka Day celebration in Stanger on Saturday.

The annual event, also known as uMkhosi weLembe, brings together Zulus from across the province to remember the founder of their tribe, King Shaka ka Senzangakhona.

Traditional prime minister to the Zulu nation, prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi celebrated the 200-year Zulu legacy.

“We must ask ourselves whether this legacy will be intact 200 years from now? Are we doing all we can, and all we must, to preserve that legacy? This is about more than coming together to commemorate King Shaka. This is about sustaining the unity
of our nation, which is the richest part of our heritage.”

Buthelezi warned the Zulu people against surrendering their most fundamental values and losing pride in their heritage.

“The warriors, kings and amakhosi who carried King Shaka’s legacy down the generations have given to us the responsibility of preserving this legacy for the Zulu nation of tomorrow, and into the future. This heritage is not ours to squander. We are only keeping it for a short time, to pass it on to the next generation.”

King Shaka was hailed as a brilliant military strategist and social engineer who united the Zulu nation, giving them a strong sense of identity and belonging.

During his address Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini reprimanded some attendees for behaving badly at cultural events.

“These gatherings are too important to be looked down upon. If you are privileged enough to attend do not behave like a drunkard in a bar. The events have a deeper meaning for us, they are not just ceremonies.”

Zwelithini also condemned using cultural events as a way to introduce alcohol to the younger generation.

“I will not let this happen to my children. When you bring your children to me they become my children as well. No good has ever come from a child drinking alcohol.”