Zulu people in Gauteng were left disappointed when King Misuzulu kaZwelithini didn’t show up at the Umkhosi weLembe celebration in Thokoza, east of Johannesburg, on Saturday.
Umkhosi weLembe is an annual cultural event that celebrates the legacy of King Shaka Zulu. It’s traditionally held in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu Natal, but Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi approved the yearly uMkhosi weLembe ceremony last year when the province first honoured Isilo of KwaDukuza because many Zulu people live there for work.
Despite being in Johannesburg, King Misuzulu didn’t attend the event and sent a representative instead.
Many people had travelled from across the country to hear him speak but were left disappointed. Prince Simphiwe Zulu, who spoke on behalf of the King, said the King couldn’t come because of problems with the event’s organisers.
“Organisers of this event know that something did not go well while organising. I put the blame on the Gauteng government for the King’s absence. The King is indeed around Johannesburg, but due to certain reasons, he could not attend this event,” said Prince Simphiwe.
Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation spokesperson Nomazwe Ntlokwane said that events like Umkhosi weLembe help young people learn about their history and bring different communities together.
“It is also about our identity, where we come from and where we are going,” she said.
By Staff Writer
Pictured above: King Mizulu kaZwelithini of the Amazulu nation.
Source: X
