communication in respect of an article penned by Professor Musa Xulu published
in various print media Re: The King's "Reed Dance" (Umhlanga) Ceremony
11 October 2007
On Thursday, 4 October 2007, The Mercury newspaper published an opinion
piece on the above subject penned by Professor Musa Xulu, a senior member of
staff at the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal. As stated clearly in the
article, the article was written in Professor Xulu's own private capacity as an
ethnomusicologist.
On Sunday, 7 October 2007, the same article was also run in the City Press
newspaper, again in the Professor's private capacity. From the above, it is
clear that at no time was the article or its contents the subject of discussion
or related to the Provincial Government's stance on important historical events
or persons.
On behalf of the Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Cabinet and the
Provincial Government, we distance ourselves from Prof Xulu's article referred
to above. The Premier Sibusiso Ndebele and Director-General Dr KwaZi Mbamjwa,
had a meeting with Isilo SamaBandla, King Goodwil Zwelithini ka BhekuZulu, to
discuss matters that affected the planning of historical events regarding the
Zulu nation, among which was the celebration of 180 years since the death of
Ilembe (King Shaka). This commemorative event and a few others will be held
sometime in 2008. The KwaZulu-Natal government will continue to drive the
province's heritage programme with the sole purpose of uniting and empowering
our communities in the province.
Enquiries:
Mandla Cecil Msomi
Head: Government Communication
Tel: 033 341 3342
Cell: 0823173727
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
11 October 2007
