President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government for fulfilling their undertaking to erect a memorial in honour of iSilo uShaka Zulu.
“This statue stands as a proud testament to a glorious era in the life of the Zulu nation during the reign of King Shaka,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the statue of King Shaka Zulu at King Shaka Zulu International Airport, President Ramaphosa said the statue will not only inspire visitors to South Africa, but it will also inspire locals.
“It is the greatest source of pride that King Shaka’s life, history and contribution is being retold and reclaimed by the generation born into democracy, “the President said.
He added that King Shaka’s illustrious history is well-known.
“He is among those leaders with so great a reputation that it has passed into legend. And yet for centuries, those who oppressed the South African people sought to denigrate his name to suit their own ends.
“Since the advent of democracy, we have worked to restore pride in the history of all the people of this great land.”
The President further stressed that in a free South Africa, there is no place for glorifying symbols, names and events built on people’s pain.
“We have been deliberate about reconstructing and rebuilding what is taught in our schools. Since the advent of democracy, we have worked to restore pride in the history of all the people of this great land.
“A statue such as the one we are unveiling today represents not just a great person, but a history, a value system and the aspirations of a people. This statue is a testament to unity.This is an aspiration that transcends generations. It is our responsibility to strive towards this goal no matter how difficult it is or how long it takes,” the President said.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said Thursday’s gathering was not only to unveil the statue, but to honour an enduring legacy that spans centuries; one that has helped shape not just the province, but the nation as a whole.
“This momentous occasion is a tribute to King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, a visionary leader, whose profound impact on the Zulu Kingdom and our collective history resonates strongly today,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said it was two years ago, when the President, on behalf of the people of South Africa, recognized the reign of His Majesty iSilo Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the monarch of the Zulu Nation and province.
“This recognition reinforced the continuity of a legacy of leadership and resilience that began with King Shaka, a leader who not only unified the Zulu nation but also laid the foundations of a community grounded in courage, unity, and purpose.
“King Shaka’s legacy is one of unity, resilience, and strength, [are] qualities that continue to guide us forward. Through the newly integrated KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, we will amplify heritage tourism routes and create opportunities to honour the rich tapestry of our collective identity,” said the Premier.
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His Majesty, King Misuzulu KaZwelithini and KwaZulu-Natal provincial government officials, attended the unveiling of the statue of the founding father of the Zulu nation, whose leadership and military strategy forged one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southern Africa.
The unveiling brought the usually busy King Shaka International Airport to a standstill with onlookers watching the proceedings.
The statue aims to honour the King’s legacy and preserve his memory for future generations.
The 11 meter monument will serve as a symbol of unity, strength, and pride for the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the entire nation, celebrating King Shaka's contributions to Zulu history, culture and identity.
Thursday’s unveiling of the monument came a ahead of the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo which will take place on Friday, 08 November.
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Friday’s DDM will be held in conjunction with South Africa’s 30 years of freedom and democracy celebrations. – SAnews.gov.za
