Queen to make way for late king
Zulu royal to replace colonial relics at KZN legislature, says MEC
Icons of colonialism must fall and the Zulu king must rise.
That’s the gist of KwaZulu-Natal arts & culture MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela’s plan to topple two “racists” and pay tribute to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini at the province’s legislature building.
Mavimbela is hoping that life-size statues of Sir Theophilus Shepstone and British monarch Queen Victoria will be removed in favour of a statue of King Zwelithini.
Shepstone — after whom the KwaZuluNatal town of Port Shepstone is named — was a British colonial administrator who introduced a system of rule that corrupted or destroyed many African customs and interfered in royal succession in Southern Africa.
During this year’s budget speech, Mavimbela said the two statues that stand at the legislature are public symbols of “colonialism, racism and segregation that undermine the very freedom and democracy that the people of KwaZulu-Natal fought so hard to achieve”.
“We have had a unique experience of having a king who reigned for 50 years. The late king, Ubhejane phum’ esiqiniwini [a great one], is the only king who opened this legislature for over 20 years. And yet we give respect to a colonial and racist English dynasty,” Mavimbela said.
Her department is talking to the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute, which is the provincial heritage resources authority, on how to approach the removal of the two statues, she said.
Arts & culture department spokesperson Phathisa Mfuyo said: “All statues in South Africa are protected in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act. When the MEC made the announcement during her budget speech she assigned the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute, a provincial heritage resources authority, to guide the process that will result in the removal of the statues of Shepstone and that of the queen.
“Given that the statues are within the legislature, it is prudent that the legislative sphere of the state be properly consulted. Amafa Institute, together with the department, has briefed the administrative leadership of the legislature,” Mfuyo said.
“Once a decision has been made about their removal, an alternative space will be found for these statues.
“When the decision is made about the future of the existing statues, the MEC will also seek contribution and approval from the family of His Majesty before the process is finalised,” she said.
Mfuyo said the proposal is important to the MEC because the statues are a reminder of the colonial past and do not contribute to social cohesion and nation building.
The Amafa Institute did not respond to queries.
The author of Zulu Empire Decolonised, University of Zululand lecturer Shalo Mbatha, said there is an urgent need to decolonise history and public discourse in order to achieve some sort of normality as a nation. “Hence, appropriate statues in public are necessary so that they reflect the glory of indigenous people, including amaZulu.
“The current statues of colonisers are an insult to the psyche of amaZulu, reminding us of the people who violated us based purely the colour of our skin. They must be taken to a museum, lest we forget.”
She said KwaZulu-Natal is “doing very well” in reflecting its rich Zulu culture.
“The Zulu people are an international brand and they are not only famous because of the military prowess of King Shaka but because they are a very proud nation that continues to practise their culture unapologetically. For instance, the Zulu traditional attire is not only colourful but has since become a de facto gear for non-Zulus as well.
“The so-called Heritage Day is based on the Zulu public holiday called uMkhosi weLembe, whereby they celebrate the life and achievements of King Shaka, who was killed on this day,” said Mbatha.
“Today, Zulu traditional music is the most popular and most bought in South Africa by far. Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues to fly not only the Zulu flag, but for South Africa as well, in international spaces.”