Published on 08/11/2024
The statue of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu nation, is unveiled, happens 14 years after the airport named in his honour opens.
The statue was unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa and King Misuzulu at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Thursday, 7 November.
The statue of King Shaka, which featured him surrounded by cattle, was removed in 2010, shortly after it was erected.
The initial king Shaka’s statue was in the middle
This followed an outcry from Zulu King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, who felt it was disrespectful, portraying King Shaka as a mere cattle herder.
In 2019, the government began constructing a taller statue a few metres away from where the cattle had been.
During the unveiling, King Misuzulu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government for honouring the promise made by his father, King Zwelithini, together with the late Zulu monarch traditional prime minister, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
“As I unveiled the statue today, I felt the presence not only of my father but of King Shaka as well. Together, they stand with us in spirit,” said Misuzulu.
“I thank the president for honouring this unveiling. We will remind each other that the airport was operational but not officially launched. We were interrupted by the passing of my parents, King Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini. Today, we thank God and our ancestors for this day.”
King Shaka’s new unveiled statue. Photo by Jabulani Langa
King Shaka’s new unveiled statue. Photo by Jabulani Langa
President Ramaphosa said it was a historic day for the Zulu nation and South Africans.
“It is an important day because we raise the glory of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the founder of the great Zulu nation.
“King Shaka was the warrior king, a unifier, an outstanding leader, a reformer, and a nation-builder. It is fitting that he has been immortalised in the statue we unveiled at this airport today,” he said.
Amabutho during King Shaka’s statue unveiling. Photo by Jabulani Langa
Ramaphosa added that this was a significant day in history.
He said by upholding and restoring the memory and standing of King Shaka, they were doing so not only for the people of KZN or the Zulu nation but for all South Africans because, in the end, King Shaka was a king for all South Africans.
