TENSIONS are running high between the Zulu royal house and the Mhlongo clan.
At the heart of their fight is the unveiling of King Shaka’s statue at King Shaka Airport and the unveiling of Queen Nandi’s tombstone in Eshowe. Both structures were erected but not unveiled.
Mhlongo family spokesman Mhlathuze Mhlongo said: “King Shaka is our rightful son. He and his mother, Queen Nandi, belonged to the Mhlongos. Therefore, Queen Nandi’s tombstone must be unveiled first followed by the unveiling of his statue.
“We are also aggrieved that the royal house and provincial government are planning to unveil the statue of King Shaka without consulting us.
“Queen Nandi was a Mhlongo and was never married.
“The Zulu clan never paid damages for King Shaka, which made him a Mhlongo,” he said.
Cultural expert Zanele Mvubu agreed with him.
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King Misuzulu’s spokesman Prince Thulani Zulu said they can’t discuss such details with the media and will wait for the Mhlongos to contact them.
“The unveiling of King Shaka’s statue is not our project but a government project. We’re waiting for the MEC of sports, arts and culture to give us a date and direction about the unveiling of King Shaka’s statue.”
KZN sports, arts and culture spokesman Nathi Olifant said: “The MEC has not received any communication from the Mhlongos. Otherwise, we’re waiting for the royal house to give us the date and direction.”
