President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to hand over a certificate of recognition to AmaZulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini on Saturday.
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube acknowledged this during a press conference on Thursday.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium will host the historic event entitled “liphumile iLanga kwaZulu – the Sun has risen on the Zulu nation.”
Premier stated that the province is prepared to roll out the royal carpet for all Royal Dignitaries, Heads of State and Government, Kings and Queens, International and domestic visitors who will be attending the historic event.
This event was organized under the strict supervision of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team, the KZN Provincial Executive Council, and the eThekwini Metro and Royal Family Committee, under the direction of Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
“Such is the significance of this event that for many of us, it will be the first time in the Zulu nation’s history that we will experience history happening before us. Dube-Ncube stated, “We have made every effort to ensure the success of this endeavor and to leave a legacy that will be remembered for centuries to come.” She deemed the subject appropriate, stating that it had sparked a wave of optimism throughout society following the bleak fall of 2021. When His Majesty King Zwelithini and Regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu passed away in quick succession, the nation “was struck a gaping blow that would take a lifetime to heal.” She stated, “It will be a celebration of African identity and our way of life as Africans.” In appreciation of our African culture, we therefore encourage everyone, regardless of race, color, or religion, to don their finest traditional attire. We want to see amabheshu, amahawu, izidwaba, and any other dress code that highlights the rich tapestry of our wonderful African traditions and culture. We anticipate that the Moses Mabhida stadium will be adorned with an array of traditional colors.” We anticipate a throng of approximately 48,000 to fill Moses Mabhida Stadium to capacity. These will consist of amabutho, oMama beSphithiphithi, Izintombi, and other common individuals. We anticipate about 2500 guests and dignitaries, including Heads of State, previous Presidents, Kings and Queens, the Judiciary, Legislative Bodies, the Diplomatic Corps, and representatives from the business sector, among others.” The following foreign dignitaries have been confirmed:
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;
Four ministers from Eswatini;
Logistics
Premier stated that because to the grandeur and significance of the event, a large number of attendees are anticipated.
“Therefore, an overflow location has been created at People’s Park’s East and West wings, and public viewing screens will be constructed to accommodate as many people as possible,” she said.
Over eighty buses and two hundred minibus taxis have been organised by the government to take Amabutho, oMama, and Izintombi to the ceremony.
The province’s municipalities have been asked to offer additional transportation wherever possible.
Regarding this, she stated that eThekwini has confirmed the acquisition of 100 more buses for its inhabitants.
“All members of the public have access to the stadium on a first-come, first-serve basis. People are encouraged to arrive on time, take their seats, and enjoy the festivities. When the stadium’s capacity of 48,000 is reached, people will be accommodated in the overflow zones.
Gates will open from 7am and the programme of the day is segmented into three parts namely:
Prelude, Musical Entertainment: 8:15–9:30
Main Programme: 10:00–13:05
Epilogue, Musical Entertainment: 13:05-13:35
She said 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,” she said.
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.