By Khabonina Mdokwe
The king of the Zulu nation, King Misizulu kaZwelithini, KwaZulu-Natal premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, and hundreds of the Zulu battalions gathered for the commemoration of Umkhosi WeLembe at Stanger High School Sports Ground this morning.
Umkhosi WeLembe is a cultural ceremony held annually to honour isilo sakwaDukuza, King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the founder of the Zulu nation. King Shaka was assassinated on the 24th of September 1828 at his royal residence in KwaDukuza.
Several dignitaries graced this event including MECs from different government departments, and Unyazi Lwezulu, the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church, who led the spiritual observance.
The event, jointly organised by the Zulu Royal House, provincial authorities, and local municipalities, seeks to foster cultural pride, strengthen unity, and encourage social cohesion, all while honouring the enduring legacy of the iconic monarch Sigidi kaSenzangakhona.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Thamsanqa Ntuli affirmed the Provincial Government of the Unity’s support for the Zulu Royal Household. He further explained that ceremonies like are important in preserving culture and identity. This reaffirmation was said at the commemoration of Umkhosi WeLembe at Stanger High School Sorts Ground this morning.
“We plead with our leaders continue leading us as those who led before them, teaching us, amongst other things, respect. Continue encouraging us to honour our traditions,” stated KZN Premier Thami Ntuli.
In his keynote address, King Misizulu kaZwelithini, King of the Zulu nation, thanked the uNyazi Lwezulu for the long-standing support he has given to the royal household throughout the years and his presence in all the different events of the commemoration if Umkhosi WeLembe.