Debate grows over King Misuzulu’s KwaZulu-Natal rename push

Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has signalled he will push ahead with a campaign to rename KwaZulu-Natal by removing “Natal” from the provincial name a move that has already triggered criticism from cultural and political analysts who argue it risks elevating one community above others reports by IOL.

The king made the announcement while speaking at the 147th commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana in Nquthu, northern KwaZulu-Natal, saying he wanted the province to be known as KwaZulu. He argued that the name “Natal” was imposed during colonisation, and that the area was known as KwaZulu before colonial rule.

But Professor Musa Xulu, a cultural analyst, challenged the king’s framing, arguing that renaming the province would be “a travesty of cultural justice” and an expression of “unearned cultural supremacy.” Xulu disputed the claim that the entire province was historically known as KwaZulu, saying the region has long reflected multiple communities and political formations.

Xulu said the current name, KwaZulu-Natal, carries historical meaning because it reflects what he described as two neighbouring territories that existed side by side before 1994: Natal and KwaZulu. He traced “Natal” to Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Durban harbour in 1497, saying the name refers to the birth of Christ, and argued that the area was home to several kingdoms at the time, including the AmaLala. He also said the boundaries and identities of the region shifted over time, including under colonial rule, and that the post-1994 naming of KwaZulu-Natal represented a “reunion” of the two entities.

In Xulu’s view, the present provincial name better reflects the region’s layered heritage than either “Natal” or “KwaZulu” alone. He also warned that KwaZulu-Natal is culturally diverse and questioned why a province should be named after a single community, urging that the renaming push be dropped “in the interests of nation building and social cohesion.”

Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast echoed the concern, warning that it would be “dangerous and insensitive” to elevate one cultural community above others in a province that includes multiple identities and histories.

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The Zulu monarchy has defended the proposal. The king’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu, said the king’s call was justified because KwaZulu is “the land of Zulus,” adding that KwaZulu-Natal is the only province with one king.

He also argued that Zulus are the majority in the province and that isiZulu is widely spoken, asking why renaming the province KwaZulu should be seen as a problem.

While the debate is intensifying in public commentary, any formal name change would typically have to follow government processes for geographical name changes. South Africa’s official guidance points applicants to the national geographical names system and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for procedures.

Source: IOL