King Misuzulu says whites twisted Shaka’s legacy

By Celani Sikhakhane

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini says white colonial and apartheid historians twisted King Shaka kaSenzangakhona’s legacy by portraying him as a bloodthirsty tyrant.

Speaking at King Shaka’s commemoration in KwaDukuza on Tuesday, King Misuzulu said: “[White] colonials and [the] apartheid regime distorted much about King Shaka. The truth is, Shaka wanted peace and a united black nation.”

The event, started by King Misuzulu’s grandfather, King Bhekuzulu kaSolomon, in 1952, honours Shaka’s legacy. It began with the unveiling of Shaka’s tombstone, installed by King Solomon in 1932.

Buzetsheni Mdletshe, the king’s adviser, said King Solomon was meant to unveil it but died before he could.

In 1995, Nelson Mandela made King Shaka’s Day a national holiday, Heritage Day, but Zulus still recognise it as King Shaka’s Day.

King Misuzulu called on Zulus to be welcoming like King Shaka. 

“Let’s warmly welcome foreigners and introduce them to the monarchy. But don’t do crimes with them, like drugs. We won’t tolerate that,” he said.

The event also celebrated the King’s 50th birthday. Durban’s Indian consul-general gave him a big cake.

King Misuzulu asked Zulus to report criminals hiding in their homes and questioned how criminals get guns so easily.

He also offered condolences to those stuck on the N3 for three days due to snow.

King Shaka ruled the Zulu Kingdom from 1816 to 1828 and oversaw wide-reaching reforms that transformed the military into a formidable force.

Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini celebrated his 50th birthday with his family at the King Shaka’s Day commemoration.

Source: Celani Sikhakhane