Director-General Kwazi Mbanjwa
10 October 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government wishes to distance itself from an
opinion piece published by Professor Musa Xulu in the newspapers. The
provincial government respects the province's heritage and has a clear and an
unfolding programme on this. This programme is all-inclusive and seeks to
promote the diverse cultural heritage of the communities living in the
province.
Since its tenure of office, the KwaZulu-Natal government has prioritised
heritage as one of the foremost areas of intervention. We have done this to,
among other things, correct the distortions of the past and highlight the
legacies left behind by great heroes and heroines, including the custodians of
our cultural heritage such as past kings and struggle heroes.
Recently we took part as government in recognising the legacy of King
Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo when his statue was unveiled in Greytown. It was in
Greytown in 1908 that King Dinuzulu was brought before the colonial courts and
sentenced to imprisonment. In 2008, we shall be commemorating 100 years since
that sentencing took place in the town of Umgungundlovana.
In 2008 we shall also be commemorating 40 years of the death of King
Cyprian, the father of the reigning King, Isilo Samabandla uHlanga
Lomhlabathi.
Also in 2008, we shall be commemorating 180 years after the death of one of
our great Kings, Ilembe eleqa amanyamalembe ngokukhalipha, Inkosi u Shaka ka
Senzangakhona.
Again in 2008, we shall be commemorating 170 years after the 1838 Impi
yaseNcome, where a large number of our forebears sacrificed with their blood to
defend the motherland from invaders. Today the Impi YaseNcome Museum stands as
an example of what can be done in developing heritage in a non-racist,
non-sexist inclusive manner. Premier Sibusiso Ndebele and Mbanjwa have already
met the King to discuss plans to commemorate these historical events and
preparations are well underway.
As the government of KwaZulu-Natal, we shall continue to chart the path of
an all-inclusive Programme of Heritage.
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
10 October 2007
