King Shaka Day goes ahead in KwaDukuza despite government budget cuts

Arriving at his first uMkhosi weLembe (Shaka Day) celebration in KwaDukuza on Friday as the new Zulu monarch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini surprised everyone when he allowed Prince Thulani Zulu to read his speech for him.

Illness plagued the event as the king was reportedly not feeling well enough to perform the task and Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, was also hospitalised on Friday.

Chiliza was meant to introduce the king but his sudden illness sparked rumours of poisoning, which were dismissed by the traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu nation and Inkatha Freedom Party founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

The Zulu royal family has been embroiled in bitter in-fighting since the passing of the long-reigning monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in March.

The new king is expected to meet with all major houses of the royal family in Ulundi this week in an attempt to restore unity.

Further problems arose last week when a voice note believed to have been made by Princess Nozwe, a former ANC councillor in KwaDukuza, emerged that called down curses on the family.

This year’s celebration was held at the Shaka memorial site in KwaDukuza CBD for the first time since 2019 with drastically reduced numbers due to the small venue and Covid-19 regulations.

The event that usually attracts thousands could only host a few hundred this year.

The celebration was also held without government sponsorship and the royal family had to find new sponsors.

“We will keep holding these events because they are a very important prayer,” said Zulu.

KwaDukuza cultural committee chairperson, Dicco Mkhize, said they felt it was vital to continue.

“Since the government was not sponsoring we had to step in and I wish to thank all the business people who supported the event and all residents who worked with us in ensuring that the event was a success,” said Mkhize.

As the battle for succession continues, on Monday the KwaZulu-Natal government froze funding for the Zulu royal household’s cultural activities, refusing to release funds until the fighting has been resolved.

Originally September 24 marked ‘Shaka Day’, commemorating King Shaka Zulu.

This was renamed Heritage Day in 1996 to create a more inclusive day for all South Africans.

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