Thank you very much for honoring our invitation intended to update the nation on the state of readiness in preparation for the handing over of the certificate of recognition to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini by his Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday, the 29 October 2022, here at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

We converge here exactly two days before this historic event and, indeed, the entire world bears witness to a sacred ceremony that for many people will happen once in a lifetime. It is because of this reason that the whole world is eagerly awaiting this event because it is steeped in historical significance when you consider the fact that this event last happened in 1971.

As such, we stand here to confirm that the country and the Province of KwaZulu-Natal is ready to roll-out the royal carpet to all Royal Dignitaries, Heads of State and Government, Kings and Queens, International and National Guests that will grace this auspicious occasion.

This event is organised under the tight oversight of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team, the KZN Provincial Executive Council and the eThekwini Metro and the Royal Family Committee.

Such is the significance of this event, that even for many of us it will be the first time that in the history of the Zulu nation, we will be witnessing history unfolding before us. We have done all preparations to ensure that this becomes successful and will leave behind a legacy to be remembered by many generations to come.

Event Theme

The occasion is aptly themed “LIPHUMILE ILANGA KWAZULU – THE SUN HAS RISEN ON THE ZULU NATION”. This is a fitting theme to this exciting event which has inspired a wave of hope across the length and breadth of our society following the dark autumn of 2021, when our nation was dealt a gaping wound that would take a lifetime to heal, as we witnessed the demise of His Majesty King Zwelithini and Regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu in close succession.

It will be indeed a celebration of Africanness, our way of life as people of Africa. Hence we are encouraging everyone to dress in their finest traditional gear in celebration of our African culture, regardless of race, colour or creed. We want to see amabheshu, amahawu, izidwaba and any other dress code that show case the tapestry of our beautiful traditions and culture as Africans. We expect the Moses Mabhida stadium to be clad in a symphony of traditional colour.

We are expecting a capacity crowd of about 48000 to fill –up the Moses Mabhida Stadium. These will include amabutho, oMama beSphithiphithi, Izintombi, ordinary people, etc. We are expecting over 2500 guests and dignitaries which includes Heads of State, Former Presidents; Kings and Queens, Judiciary; Legislatures; Diplomatic Corp; Business Sector; etc.)

Some of the confirmed foreign dignitaries comprise of:

His Majesty the King Mswati III from Eswatini;

His Majesty King from Nigeria;

His Majesty King from Zambia;

His Majesty King from Zimbabwe;

His Majesty King Gungunyane from the Province of Gaza from Mozambique;

Prince and spouse from Lesotho representing His Majesty King Letsie III;

Former President of Botswana, H.E. Ian Khama;

4 Ministers from Eswatini;

Due to the magnitude and significance of this once in a life time event we are anticipating a huge attendance and as such an overflow venue has been arranged at the People’s Park both in the East and West wings and public viewing screens will be installed to accommodate as many people as possible.

In terms of transportation the following arrangements have been made:

Over eighty (80) buses and more than two hundred (200) minibus taxis have been arranged to transport Amabutho, oMama, Izintombi.

Respective municipalities in the province have been requested to, where feasible provide additional transport and to this end eThekwini has confirmed the procurement of hundred (100) additional buses for its residents.

Gates Opening and Entertainment

Access to the stadium is open to all members of the public on a first come first serve basis. We encourage people to arrive on time and take their seats and enjoy the celebration. Once the 48000 capacity is reached inside the stadium, people will be accommodated in the overflow areas. Members of the public are encouraged to arrive at the venue as early as the gates will open from 07h00 am in the morning.

Programme of the Day

The Programme of the day is segmented into three parts:

Part A:​Prelude, Musical Entertainment: 8:15–9:30

Part B:​Main Programme: 10:00–13:05

Part C:​Epilogue, Musical Entertainment: 13:05-13:35

Paramount to the activities of this momentous day is the opportunity it provides for the nation at large to share in the celebration of the AmaZulu Nation. To this effect an entertainment programme of cultural and contemporary dance, music and poetry galore will be a defining feature of the festivities. Some of the artists that will constitute the line-up include:

Drums and blowing of horns, Spectacular Choreography, Four groups with oMama Besigekle;

Medley of Vumile Mngoma, Qadasi and MaQhinga;

Zawadi and Madala: Princess Magogo Song;

Mshunqisi the Poet;

Mpumalanga White Birds;

Medley of Khuzani, Ingcokama and Ntwencane;

Traditional groups and Shembe Indlamu;

Phuzekhemisi;

Jumbo; and

Sjava.

Safety Issues

The Security cluster will give a full update on this aspect later but save to say that principally, these celebrations will be safe and secure for all attending. The NATJOINTS has been activated and is working closely with the Security cluster comprising of SAPS, eThekwini Municipality and Security officials as well as many safety volunteers. We know that dangerous weapons will not be allowed.

Road Closures

Road closures will be effected in some parts of the city to ensure safety and ease of access to the venue. The details of road closures are attached for your ease of reference.

Costs of the event

Before you ask this question, let us advise that we will provide details of the actual expenditure as opposed to estimates. This will be done through detailed expenditure reports to the accounting structures in the Legislature. We wish to assure citizens that we have taken due care to exercise prudence in spending resources for this event and in ensuring that every cent is spent wisely.

Thanking Members of the media

We wish to thank you all members of the media for the prestige with which you have accorded to this important occasion. We have spoken about the thousands that will grace this occasion but we know that millions more will follow through television, radio, social media, newspaper reports platforms etc. We are humbled by your gesture and for your courage to tell this glorious African story.

In Conclusion, all eyes are trained on KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. We all have a duty to make this event a resounding success. Our Kings are our custodian of our heritage and way of life, they are our symbols of unity and social cohesion.

We are ready to roll-out the royal carpet to all our guests and visitors. Uyamemeza okaNdaba, As the path-finders to our liberation struggle taught us, Mzulu, Mxhosa, Msuthu, Mswati, Khoi and San and we add all aMaAfrika Hlanganani!

I thank you.