Cape Town – On Thursday last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zulu monarch King Misuzulu KaZwelethini, and Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, along with other officials, unveiled a 6.5-meter statue of King Shaka at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
The statue, a long-awaited project originally commissioned 14 years ago, portrays King Shaka as a powerful warrior with a shield and spear.
The unveiling was marked by a celebration with Amabutho (Zulu regiments) performing traditional songs and dances.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been honored with a traditional Zulu warrior shield pic.twitter.com/iejvjXc1Vo
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) November 7, 2024
While the ceremony honoured the legendary leader, Ramaphosa’s attempt at Zulu dance moves drew criticism, with social media users humorously commenting on his dancing skills.
Despite the dance critiques, Ramaphosa was presented with a traditional Zulu warrior shield during the event.
The statue’s unveiling was a significant cultural moment, following delays due to the Zulu royal family’s concerns over an earlier statue’s depiction of King Shaka.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
