By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
In a historic moment for the Zulu Kingdom, King Misizulu kaZwelithini has officially unveiled the statue of the late King Shaka Zulu at King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, ministers and various cultural and political leaders.
King Misuzulu acknowledged the historical significance of the moment, stating that the statue would serve as a lasting tribute to his father, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and to King Shaka, whose leadership remains an integral part of Zulu heritage.
He added that the statue, strategically placed at the entrance of King Shaka International Airport, is not just an aesthetic addition, but a powerful cultural statement.
Ramaphosa described Shaka as a warrior king, a unifier and a reformer, saying it was fitting that he had been immortalised in the statue, which he said represented, not just a great person, but a history, a value system and the aspirations of a people.
“This statue is a testament to unity. Since his reign began in the early 1800s, King Shaka used the military and political systems he established to bring his people together. He forged alliances, integrated rival clans and reformed social structures to unite AmaZulu towards a common identity and a common purpose,” Ramaphosa stated.
He added that it was an aspiration that transcended generations, and said government had a responsibility to strive towards this goal “no matter how difficult it is or how long it takes”.
He stated that King Shaka’s illustrious history was well-known, describing his reputation as legendary.
And yet for centuries, those who oppressed the South African people sought to denigrate his name to suit their own ends. During colonial and apartheid rule, we were force-fed the history of the oppressor. We were taught about Vasco da Gama, Henry Francis Fynn, Sir Harry Smith and Piet Retief,” Ramaphosa pointed out.
He stated that the story of the young King Shaka and how he triumphed over a difficult childhood was not told to inspire young black children.
Instead, we had to recite poems about John Ross and Dirkie Uys,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the democratic government had been deliberate in its work to restore pride in the history of all South Africans by reconstructing and rebuilding what is taught in schools.
“We will reclaim our history. We will ensure that it is glorified in this generation and into the next. We will lift high our heroes. We will name our streets and buildings after them, write books about them, make television shows about them, and erect statues in their honour. We do so because these heroes represent our past and reflect our aspirations for the future,” he stated.
Ntuli also applauded the initiative, saying that the statue would boost tourism and create opportunities for economic growth in the province.
This statue, placed at one of the country’s busiest airports, will serve as a beacon for those visiting KwaZulu-Natal, inviting them to learn more about the history and heritage of this proud nation.