KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Unity’s support for the Zulu Royal Household during the commemoration of Umkhosi WeLembe at Stanger High School Sports Ground on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.

Honouring the Legacy of King Shaka

Umkhosi WeLembe is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most important cultural commemorations, held annually to honour the legacy of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the founder of the Zulu nation. King Shaka was assassinated on 24 September 1828 at his KwaDukuza Royal Palace, yet his enduring legacy as a visionary leader and unifier continues to inspire the Zulu people and South Africans at large.

Government’s Commitment

In his remarks, Premier Ntuli emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Zulu Royal Household as a custodian of heritage, culture, and tradition. He noted that the strength of the Zulu nation lies not only in its history but also in its ability to carry forward the values of unity and resilience that King Shaka embodied.

Preserving Heritage and Promoting Cohesion

The Premier further underlined that Umkhosi WeLembe is not merely a remembrance of the past but a reaffirmation of cultural pride, identity, and social cohesion. He called on communities to draw inspiration from King Shaka’s leadership, which united diverse tribes into a formidable nation, and to apply those lessons in strengthening unity in today’s society.

The commemoration at KwaDukuza once again highlighted KwaZulu-Natal’s role as a custodian of living heritage and reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Unity’s dedication to preserving traditions that inspire hope, pride, and solidarity for future generations.