Celebrating Africa Day: Lecture by uMntwana (Prince) Dr Bhekizizwe Zeblon Zulu

Celebrating Africa Day: Lecture by uMntwana (Prince) Dr Bhekizizwe Zeblon Zulu

To mark Africa Month, the UKZN community was addressed by uMntwana (Prince) Dr Bhekizizwe Zeblon Zulu on African Unity and the Role of King Shaka in Starting the Unity.

Hosted by the College of Humanities, uMntwana Zulu was welcomed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize, who highlighted the significance of the address during Africa Month. ‘UMntwana Dr Zeblon Zulu’s outstanding contribution to furthering the knowledge and documenting the rich history and cultural celebrations of the Zulu Nation must be applauded,’ said Mkhize.

No stranger to UKZN, uMntwana Zulu received an Honorary D Litt degree in 2023 for his contributions towards preserving and promoting Zulu history and culture. He is a member of the Zulu Royal Family, in particular the Zulu Royal House of Mandlakazi, and a former member of the National Assembly. He has fulfilled several leadership roles in government and was a former advisor to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.

Drawing on his expertise, uMntwana Zulu’s lecture detailed the rise and unification of the Zulu Kingdom under the leadership of King Shaka. ‘Much has been written of King Shaka’s bravery and strength, but he was also a great intellectual who had a vision of uniting the African people. Using his intellect and knowledge, he built a strong army, and the Zulu Nation grew under his rule to include 350 kingdoms. Shaka was a visionary and should be celebrated,’ he said, thus motivating for institutions and places of education to be created to teach about African culture, unity and King Shaka specifically.

King Shaka encouraged trade and relations between his people and the West to gain knowledge for Africa to progress. ‘He was laying the foundation to build one Africa,’ added uMntwana Zulu.

He also urged people to resist historical depictions of King Shaka as a ruthless character as this was a narrative enforced by White colonialists of the time.

UMntwana Zulu’s lecture showcased that King Shaka’s message of togetherness is still as relevant today. ‘Africans need to unite against the stripping of our continent’s natural resources and use of our own strengths, talents and skills to benefit from them for all,’ he said.

His presentation was successfully received by the audience, many of whom commented that the lecture should became an annual event on the University calendar.

UMntwana Zulu is an accomplished author, having published four books. The first, published in 2005, Umongo KaZulu (The Marrow of the Nation), is about the history of the Zulu Royal Family. His second book, Inhlendla Yethusi KaZulu, was published in 2016. His third book, IziNdlovukazi zoBukhosi bukaZulu (Queens in the Zulu Kingdom), is currently being prepared for a second edition by UKZN Press and the fourth book is titled: INkosi uMntwana uZibhebhu kaMaphitha. He also has several manuscripts that are yet to be published.

UMntwana Zulu has worked tirelessly together with other members of the Zulu Royal Family, Amakhosi aseNseleni, to revive historical Zulu cultural celebrations, including uMkhosi weLembe that celebrates King Shaka’s legacy; Isiko Lokushisa Impepho eNdlunkulu (burning of incense in the Royal Family), Umkhosi woSelwa/ wokweShwama (the First Fruit festival) as well as uMkhosi woMhlanga (Reed Dance Festival). He has conducted research on these ceremonies, consulted elders and knowledgeable people on these subject matters, and then revised them for modern-day relevance.

He has held various key positions in public office. He served in the National Council of Provinces from 1999 to 2004, and was a member of the National Assembly from 2004 to 2014 where he served in the portfolio committees on Arts and Culture, Water Affairs and Sanitation, Rural Development and Land Reform.

He has facilitated a wide range of key infrastructure projects such as many schools in KwaNongoma and Empangeni; seven clinics in KwaNongoma and surrounding areas; electrification; and road construction. He donated land in the Ekuvukeni area and built INdlovukazi High School. He also mobilised the community to contribute funds to build schools in Empangeni.

Words: Jennene Naidu

Photographs: KronniXpress Productions