Royalty of South Africa

[Kasumi]

Zulu king celebrates 40-year reign - KwaZulu-Natal | IOL News | IOL.co.za
The Zulu royal family will give a lavish party in Nongoma this weekend at the start of a month-long celebration of King Goodwill Zwelithini’s 40-year reign over his nation.
[...]
King Zwelithini was installed as the Zulu king on December 3, 1971, at the age of 23.
A source said the main event, whose date and venue have not yet been revealed, would have about 1 200 high-profile guests from across the continent, including representatives of other royal families and government officials.
[...]A source said the Royal Household Trust was in possession of a list of guests for the main event, which would be attended by royal families from across the continent, as well as former presidents.
[...]
When asked how much the celebrations would cost, Ncube referred The Mercury to the premier’s spokesman, Ndabezitha Sibiya, who said the cost was not important. What was important was that the celebrations were taking place.

[Kasumi]

Royal finances in a mess | The New Age Online
The KwaZulu-Natal royal household department, which must ensure that the Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini, is fully provided for in the provincial legislature, is in tatters.
A mid-year report to the finance committee in the legislature yesterday revealed that there had been overspending, underspending, construction projects left hanging, staff salaries being drawn from the wrong budget and the king unsatisfied with some of what was being put on the table.
A major problem was the failure to get the Royal Trust, a fund set up to take care of the King, maintain his family, pay staff salaries and household costs, off the ground.
The department expected to overspend up to R12.8m on salaries this year if staff were not transferred to the trust soon.

[Kasumi]

Traditional wedding for royal princess
The royal Rammbuda family, which belongs to the Singo clan, one of the prominent Vhavenda clans in Vhembe, is known for doing things in a special and different way.
They are known for being industrious and for being the torchbearers in bringing development in the former Venda area.
When their daughter, Tshililo, tied the knot with Thembelani Dondolo at the weekend, it was a traditional affair.
The traditional wedding, held at the Thohoyandou Town Hall, was a mixture of two different cultures: Venda and Xhosa.

[Kasumi]

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, (L), and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini during a meeting at Ondini Palace in Ulundi, South Africa, Friday, Nov. 4, 2011.

daylife gallery

[Kasumi]

King Zwelithini celebrates Umkhosi WoSelwa: iLIVE - Times LIVE

KZN Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize and members of the KZN Government on Saturday accompanied Zulu Monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini in observing one of the Zulu nation’s sacred rituals, Umkhosi WoSelwa (First Fruit ceremony).

King Zwelithini's realm

The Zulu monarchy stands as the symbol of Zulu tradition and history. The dignified ceremonial side of the Zulu monarchy inspires awe, and the people of KwaZulu-Natal look up to His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini as a source of comfort, inspiration, security, continuity and steadfast values in an ever-changing world. He is the eighth and longest serving Zulu monarch.

Born in July 1948 at Nongoma in KZN as the eldest son of King Cyprian and his second wife, Queen Thomo, Zwelithini was educated at the Bhekezulu College of Chiefs. He was then privately tutored at his father’s official residence at Khethomthandayo, where he received formal instruction in traditional Zulu customs.

The 1994 elections ushered in a new political dispensation, which brought a myriad issues to the fore – among them, the status of the Zulu monarch in a democratic South Africa. One of the critical milestones of the ruling party therefore has been its success in restoring the dignity of the Zulu monarchy by putting it in its rightful position within the democratic dispensation. When the ruling party failed to recognise the monarch through the Provincial Constitution, it circumvented the process by passing the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional and Leadership Act 41 of 2005, which for the first time since the destruction of the Zulu Kingdom by the British in 1879, formally recognised the king as the monarch of the province of KZN. Such recognition was further amplified by the results of the Nhlapho Commission, which recognised King Zwelithini as the legitimate and sole monarch of the province of KZN.

v King Goodwill Zwelithini.

[Kasumi]

Celebration of the First | The New Age Online
Thousands of warriors have started gathering outside Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s Enyokeni Palace ahead of tomorrow’s Umkhosi WoKweswama (Celebration of the First), which this year coincides with the 40th anniversary of the monarch’s coronation.
The event is a major tourist drawcard for the province. Thousands of men participate in the prayer and the traditional ritual of slaughtering a bull using bare hands.
[...]
Preparations are under way and yesterday King Zwelithini, accompanied by about 900 “amabutho” (warriors) on foot, descended on the local Osuthu village to cut the special tree used in the ceremony.
Prince Mboniso Zulu, the King’s younger brother and spokesperson for the Zulu royal family, said more people were expected to attend this year because of the coronation anniversary.

[Kasumi]

King's 40-year rule "a blessing"
A model father and a champion of rural development and the fight against HIV/Aids.
These were among the praises heaped on King Goodwill Zwelithini at a banquet on Saturday to mark the 40th year of his reign.
The monarch’s sons and daughters, as well as Premier Zweli Mkhize and President Jacob Zuma, praised the king at a black-tie event for 1 000 guests at Durban’s Greyville racecourse. Also in attendance were several members of the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet, seated alongside business tycoon Patrice Motsepe.
Princess Nomkhosi Zulu called her father’s rule – the longest of any Zulu leader – a blessing. She said it was no coincidence that he was called Goodwill, as his kindness was the quality she admired most in him as both king and father.

[Kasumi]

Xhosa king graces Ntabazinduna circumcision ceremony
Xhosa King, Zwelonke Sgcawo has pledged to build a school in Mbembesi area on the outskirts of Bulawayo to promote the teaching of the Xhosa language.
King Sgcawo, who is visiting the Xhosa community in Bulawayo will finance the building of the school as well as the payment of teachers, according to the Xhosa Royal Council chief executive officer Zolani Mkiva.
Mkiva said King Sgcawo was in Zimbabwe to meet the Xhosa community living largely in Matabeleland and cement relations between the South Africans and the locals.
The King also oversaw a circumcision exercise of five boys at the Mdlangathi homestead at Sojini, where beasts and goats were slaughtered for the ceremony while opaque beer was in huge supply.

[No1_Saint]

HM the King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation visited New Zealand at the end of 2011 where he met with many Maori including Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheitia GCOCT, KCLJ, OStJ the Maori King at his residence.

He also paid a visit to Te Kura Maori o Nga Tapuwae a full immersion Maori language school in Mangere New Zealand.

http://www.bafokeng.com/sites/defaul...ept%202011.pdf

[Kasumi]

Zulu prince: King’s ‘rotten gays’ comment was ‘mistranslated’
A statement issued by Prince Mbonisi Zulu described “shock and dismay” at the South African Times’ report of the king’s speech, which he says was intended to promote compassion in society.
The royal household said it could be described as “reckless translation”.
The king had been speaking at the 133rd anniversary of the 1879 Battle of Isandlwana, during which the Zulu army defeated the British.
King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu is said to have actually told the audience: “During the good olden days our forefathers dedicated their lives for the good of the nation. Men would go for months in the battles to fight the enemies without their wives but did not harass each other sexually and there were no cases of rape of women.
“Nowadays you even have men who rape other men. This is a clear sign of moral decay. We condemned those involved – no matter who you are.”

Gays seek apology from Zulu king

[Kasumi]

BBC News - South Africa investigates 'gay slur' King Zwelithini
South Africa's Human Rights Commission is investigating reports that Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini called gay people "rotten" during a speech.
The rights group says it has obtained transcripts of the speech to look into the matter.
The royal household has denied that the king made any homophobic comments - and has blamed "reckless translation".
South Africa's Times newspaper, which first carried the story, told the BBC it stands by its translation.

http://www.businessday.co.za/article...aspx?id=163281
President Jacob Zuma is reported to have castigated the king, but he needs to go further. King Zwelithini needs to retract his statement and apologise. Perhaps it’s also time his funding was stopped and he was made to go out and get a real job.

[Kasumi]

King Goodwill Mum On Anti-Gay Remarks

Mkhize jumps to Zulu king's defence - Times LIVE

[Kasumi]

Chief considers suing king - Crime & Courts | IOL News | IOL.co.za
Inkosi Melizwe Dlamini, of Nhlangwini, near Highflats in southern KwaZulu-Natal, says he is considering suing King Goodwill Zwelithini, who allegedly insulted him and his “kingdom” at the weekend.
Dlamini told the media in Durban on Wednesday that he was consulting his lawyers in preparation for a law suit.
At an event on Saturday attended by Traditional Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube, Zwelithini said those who wanted to be kings in KwaZulu-Natal “are mad and possessed by demons”.
This was considered to be a reference to Dlamini, who has lodged an application with the Nhlapho commission for his chieftaincy to be elevated to the level of a kingship.
The commission was set up to mediate in traditional leadership disputes and claims.

[ZuluPrincess]

King Zwelethini may feel threatened by some of the Chiefs requesting to be recognised as kings. Some are pushing their luck while are legitimate kings, such as King Langalibalel II of the amaHlubi nation. The last link at the bottom shows how past Zulu kings and other monarchs ( past and present) recognised the Hlubis as an independent nation with their own king, rather than a clan or chieftancy falling under the rule of the Zulu king.

Calls for second king to be recognised - Politics | IOL News | IOL.co.za

More info:
Wikipedia article about King Langalibalele I - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langalibalele
Wikipedia article about the Hlubi Nation - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hlubi_people
An article about the tribe - http://www.ladysmithhistory.com/a-to-z/native-labour/hlubi-tribe/
Zulu king. - http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article638326.ece/Disappointed-clan-wants-to-meet-Zuma
The nation's submission for recognition of their king. It includes lots of history - www.mkhangelingoma.co.za/heritage/history.pdf

[ZuluPrincess]

Princess Nandi Zulu's marriage and subsequent estrangement from her husban Chief Mfundo Mtirara, who is also Nelson Mandela's nephew.

The marriage between Princess Nandi, daughter of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, and Thembu Chief Mfundo Mtirara has collapsed. Palace insiders said the princess had left her husband almost 11 months ago without notifying the Thembu royal family and there were no signs that the marriage would be revived. Princess Nandi has been living with her parents for a while, but has since moved to Durban. The couple wed in a glamorous ceremony two years ago. Mfundo Mtirara doesn't want to comment. Zulu Queen MaDlamini however says: "He knows the reason for the separation better than any other person." "He did not respect his young wife," said a family member.

www.nettyroyal.nl/newssept05.html

A DISTRAUGHT ex-lover of the young Thembu chief who married Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini's daughter last year has claimed she was dumped by the chief after an affair which lasted 13 years. Three children were apparently born out of their love affair.
Siphokazi Ndlendle this week claimed the marriage between Chief Mfundo Mtirara and Princess Nandi in November last year had been arranged while she was pregnant with his youngest child.
He apparently left her with their two children, Oyama (4) and Thandwa (1), without any financial support. The eldest child has since died. Ndlendle this week told City Press in East London that she is now demanding R1 600 a month for maintenance for her two sons from Chief Mtirara.

He ditched us for a princess | City Press

travelmagsa.com/blog/zulu-weddings/

Royal wedding unites Zulu and Xhosa clans - South Africa | IOL News | IOL.co.za

[ZuluPrincess]

The long, winding path that leads to Kwa-Nongoma in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is picturesque, with lush veld as far as the eye can see. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the country and it’s where you’ll find the land of King Goodwill Zwelithini and his family.

We’re warmly welcomed by Princess Nandi Zulu (32), who has invited us to the house where she and her five brothers and two sisters were raised and where her mom, Queen Buhle, still lives.

A woman in a tracksuit and peak cap puts away her garden fork and with a warm smile extends her hand in greeting. Then Nandi shocks us, saying, “Guys, this is my mom.”

We hardly expected to find one of King Zwelithini’s wives hard at work in the garden but Queen Buhle, we quickly discover, is remarkably down-to-earth.

First glimpse into Zulu royal home | YOU

[ZuluPrincess]

MBABANE – The disputed king of the Ndebele people has been recruited and trained by the Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force (USDF), as a soldier.
The erstwhile Mabhoko III has been undergoing training at the Mbuluzi Army barracks.
His stay was kept secret by senior army officials. The Ndebele king recently passed out along with ordinary Swazi soldiers at Bethany, without much fanfare as the public didn’t know a king was passing out.
The passing out parade was also attended by King Mswati III, as in every year.
His training was treated as a secret for fear that it would draw media attention in South Africa, his country of birth. Mabhoko was installed as the king of the Ndebele people after the death of his father, King Mayithja III, in 2005. His reign was punctuated with controversy, with some sections of the Ndebele people complaining that the then-24-year old man was disregarding certain rituals.
The Ndebele ex-king’s birth name is Mahlubi, the name with which he is called by his fellow soldiers as he has already assumed duty.
When reached for comment, the USDF was cagey on the matter, preferring that comments be sought from acting Ludzidzini Governor TV Mtetwa.
"This matter is not for me to comment on. I would suggest you get in touch with TV Mtetwa on this matter," said Army PRO Major Khanya Dlamini.
A well placed source said the move to have the ex-Ndebele king join the army could have been made possible by royalty, which explains why USDF preferred not to comment on the issue. It was also established that last week after passing out, the former king is already working.
When reached for comment the acting Ludzidzini governor said it was news to him that the ex-Ndebele king is with the army.
"I have not heard that he has joined the army. It is so unfortunate that I am not aware of this development," said Mtetwa.
It is alleged that ex-king had a troublesome reign as the leader of the Ndebele people. Elders suspended him amid allegations that he was ‘rebellious’ and did not respect Ndebele traditions. His reign lasted less than a year.
His presence in the country was first brought to the fore by the Swazi News two years ago, when reports alleged that he had fled from the Ndebele people to hide in Swaziland. At the time Royal authorities, when quizzed over the young man’s presence, said he was in the country because he was being groomed for his role as the leader of the Ndebele people.
However, two years later, it can be confirmed that Mabhoko III has actually been dethroned amid claims that he was rebellious.

http://www.times.co.sz/News/65162.html

[ZuluPrincess]

Pretoria 29 July 2010
Minister Sicelo Shiceka,
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders,
Ladies and gentlemen of the media,
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, provides for the recognition of the institution of traditional leadership, its status and role according to customary law, subject to democratic principles.
Over the years, the institution of traditional leadership has been undermined and eroded.
This has been done in particular through the Black Administration Act and other related apartheid legislation, which created amongst others, the Bantustans.
The apartheid regime created its own traditional leadership at the expense of authentic traditional leadership, in some communities.
In order to restore the dignity of traditional leadership, remove historical tensions and locate its role within the democratic order in the country, the then President of the Republic, Mr Thabo Mbeki appointed the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims.
The Commission, which was established in 2004, was directed to attend to all disputes on paramountcies and chieftaincy, the area of jurisdiction of traditional leaders and the legitimacy of the position holders.
During that time, South Africa had twelve paramountcies and paramount chiefs. The Commission had to investigate whether or not the paramountcies qualified to be recognized as kingships or queenships.
Commission investigated and released its first report in April 2008, where it established, that out of the twelve paramount chiefs and paramountcies in the country, only six qualified to be recognized as Kings/kingships or Queens/Queenships.
At the time, the Commission indicated that it must still investigate as to what position was correct and relevant to those who did not qualify to be recognized.
The Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act of 2003 recognized only three positions of traditional leadership namely King, Senior Traditional Leader and Headmen or headwomen.
The Commission continued to investigate the issue of who was supposed to occupy the position of the six qualifying paramountcies and paramount chiefs.
However, during its investigation, there were disputes and new claims to the same positions that came to the fore. The Commission then had to investigate those claims and counter claims.
In January 2010, the Commission resolved some of the cases that were already in the cycle of investigation.
In terms of the law, the Commission presented its report to the President.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION
The recommendations of the Commission, which I have accepted, are as follows:
South Africa has only seven legitimate Kingships/kings or queenships/queens and another six whose status will come to an end on the death of the current incumbent in the position.
THE KINGSHIPS AND QUEENSHIPS THAT ARE RECOGNISED
The following are recognized in the Republic of South Africa:
1. AbaThembu: King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, Eastern Cape.
2. AmaXhosa: King Zwelonke Sigcawu,
Eastern Cape.
3. AmaMpondo: King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcawu, Eastern Cape.
4. AmaZulu: King Goodwill Zwelithini Zulu, KwaZulu-Natal.
5. Bapedi ba Maroteng: King Thulare Victor Thulare, Limpopo.
Two kingships/queenships have also been recognized, but the Commission must still decide who the two rightful incumbents are.
Those are:
1. AmaNdebele wakwaManala and AmaNdebele as a whole from the lineage of the current king Makhosonke Enoch Mabhena (Makhosonke II); of Mpumalanga; and
2. VhaVenda from the lineage of Mphephu Ramabulane of Limpopo Province.
The incumbents will be determined by a new Commission which will be established soon.
PARAMOUNTCIES THAT ARE NOT RECOGNISED
The following paramountcies and paramount chiefs, that are not recognised, shall be deemed to be kingships and queenships until the incumbents pass on:
1. Batlokwa ba Mota: King Lekunutu Cavandish Mota, Free State.
2. Bakwena baMopeli: King Thokwane Mopeli, Free State.
3. AmaRharhabe: King Bangilizwe Maxhobayakhawuleza Sandile, Eastern Cape.
4. Amampondo ase-Nyandeni: King Ndamase kaNdamase, Eastern Cape.
5. Ndzundza Mabhoko : King Mbusi Mahlangu, Mpumalanga.
6. AbaThembu base-Rhode in the Eastern Cape.
The successors will be recognised by the relevant Premiers as Principal traditional leaders.
Due to the passing on of King Zwelonke Matanzima, the community of AbaThembu base Rhode in the Eastern Cape will henceforth be known as a Principal Traditional Leadership.
This part of the Commission's work dealt only with matters relating to paramountcies, kingships and queenships.
Part two will probe and make findings and recommendations on the next layer of traditional leadership, the Principal traditional Leadership, Senior Traditional Leadership and Headmanship.
CONCLUSION
We are aware that this report has been awaited with anxiety over a long period.
We urge all communities to accept the findings in the spirit of correcting the wrongs of the past, as part of the country's nation building efforts. It enables us to restore dignity to the institution of traditional leadership.
The Commission has confirmed facts that have been generally known all along historically.
Almost all the affected communities have known the circumstances around which some of the kingships or queenships were created.
The findings must help all affected communities to begin the path of acceptance, healing and reconciliation.
As Africans, we have always been able to find ways of resolving issues, and of accepting even the most difficult of solutions for the good of our communities and the country.
We must face the truth, even if it is uncomfortable, and move forward.
As government, we will play our part to assist with a smooth transition to the new dispensation.
Traditional leadership plays a critical role in our communities. It is our commitment as government, to continue strengthening the capacity of traditional leadership, as directed by the Constitution of the Republic.
We established the Department of Traditional Affairs in April this year, to underline this critical focus on traditional leadership.
Last year, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform was established, and traditional leaders will play a pivotal role in its work.
We thank the Commission for its hard work.
We also acknowledge the cooperation of traditional leaders and communities during this difficult process.
I thank you.

Politicsweb - SA has seven recognised kings - Zuma - DOCUMENTS

[ZuluPrincess]

Mokope Modjadji V (1936 – 28 June 2001) was the fifth Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe in the Limpopo Province of South Africa from 1981 until her death in 2001.
[edit] Life

Mokope Modjadji was very traditional in her role as Rain Queen. She lived in seclusion in the Royal Compound in Khetlhakone Village and followed all the customs the Rain Queens were expected to follow.
Mokope Modjadji met and became good friends with the then President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. They first met at a meeting in 1994 and even then Mr. Mandela could only speak to Mokope through the traditional intermediary. It was said that Mokope was the only person to have kept Mr. Mandela waiting (except the rather volative Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Later they became better friends after Mr. Mandela bought the Rain Queen a Japanese Sedan to help her travel up the steep roads to her Royal Compound. He was then able to meet her in person and when asked about the Rain Queen Mr. Mandela said that similarly to Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Modjadji did not answer questions.
On other political fronts, Queen Mokope did not support the idea of an ANC government as she believed that its anti-traditional ideas would dilute her authority. However once the ANC came to power, they treated the Rain Queen with respect, probably because her village was a large source of income due to tourism, as well as the fact that her gardens acted as parks to preserve the large abundance of cycad trees that grew there. She was even offered an annual salary.
Mokope Modjadji had three children, and her designated successor was Princess Makheala. Mokope died in 2001, when she was 65, two days after her daughter Makheala had died. Therefore Makheala's daughter Makobo became the next Rain Queen. Mokope's son, Prince Masopha Edwin Modjadji died in August 2005.

Mokope Modjadji - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



The Modjadji or Rain Queen is the hereditary queen of Balobedu, a people of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The succession to the position of Rain Queen is matrilineal, meaning that the Queen's eldest daughter is the heir, and that males are not entitled to inherit the throne at all. The Rain Queen is believed to have special powers, including the ability to control the clouds and rainfall.
Currently there is no ruling Rain Queen as the previous Rain Queen died on 12 June 2005.


Rain Queen Makobo Constance Modjadji VI (1978 – 12 June 2005) was the 6th in a line of the Balobedu people's rain queens. Makobo was crowned on 16 April 2003 at the age of 25 after the death of her predecessor and grandmother, Queen Mokope Modjadji. This made her the youngest queen in the history of the Balobedu.
Makobo was admitted into the Limpopo Medi-Clinic for an undisclosed illness on 10 June 2005 and died two days later at the age of 27. Official cause of death was listed as chronic meningitis. She is survived by a son, Prince Lekukena (b. 1998), and a daughter, Princess Masalanabo (b. February 2005).


The Rain Queen's official mates are chosen by the Royal Council so that all of her children will be of dynastic status, from which future rain queens may descend. However the Rain Queens are not expected to remain in exclusive relations with these partners. In the past, the Rain Queen was only allowed to have children by her close relatives.[citation needed]
Perhaps uniquely, the Balobedu crown descends according to female primogeniture: The Queen's eldest daughter is always her successor, therefore the title of Rain Queen is normally passed from mother to daughter. It is said that the Queen ingests poison when she is near death so that her daughter will assume the crown more quickly. Lately, however, many traditions have been abandoned, influenced by Christian missionaries. Because Makobo's daughter, Princess Masalanabo, was fathered by a commoner, traditionalists are not likely to accept her as the rightful successor to the throne. Therefore there are worries that the 400-year old Rain Queen dynasty may be coming to an end. No new Rain Queen has been enthroned since Makobo died.
Makobo's brother Prince Mpapatla has been designated Regent for Masalanabo. However Mpapatla has a daughter by his cousin, a woman from the royal Modjadji line, and a group of members of the Royal Council has indicated a preference for Mpapatla's daughter to succeed as Rain Queen. Mpapatla, however, has insisted that his late sister's child Princess Masalanabo will be enthroned as the next Queen when she turns 18.
A male branch of the extended royal clan has also petitioned the South African President to restore the male line of the Balobedu royal house which reigned before 1800. This entreaty is considered unlikely to be granted, inasmuch as the Rain Queen heritage is recognised as a national cultural legacy and interest in it has stimulated significant tourist trade.


Read the full article: Rain Queen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[ZuluPrincess]

The statue of King Shaka Zulu, recently erected at the new King Shaka International Airport, will be removed after the Zulu king expressed concerns about it.

“The sculpture will be removed from the current site and once all the processes have been finalised, it will be erected on another site which is more prominent at the new airport,” said the KwaZulu-Natal premier’s spokesman Ndabezinhle Sibiya.

King Goodwill not happy with Shaka statue - Times LIVE

A R3.5 million statue of Shaka Zulu will be constructed to replace the one which was removed from the Durban airport, the Sunday Tribune reported.

The original statue, built by Andries Botha, was removed after the Zulu royal family complained that it resembled a "herd boy".

Artist Peter Hall had been commissioned to construct the new statue of the Zulu king.

"The panel of academics and the royal household were quite impressed with his work, but the premier will make an announcement at an appropriate time," KwaZulu-Natal premier Zweli Mkhize's spokesman Ndabe Sibiya told the newspaper.

Botha was asked to be part of the team involved in designing the new statue but declined.

"I told the premier I did not think my presence would in any way help facilitate the process he was trying to engineer, due to the complexity of political perceptions of the artwork, and notions of ownership and nationalisation," Botha told the Sunday Tribune.

Hall's new design showed Shaka Zulu standing on a raised plinth.

"He is in a victorious pose with his spear upraised," he said.

- Sapa

New Shaka Zulu statue for Durban airport | The New Age Online


What do you think of the Statue?

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...RIH-013989.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/o...l/44680453.jpg

I agree that he looks like a herd boy surrounded by cattle.