The annual Umkhosi weLembe celebrations have been postponed. The event honours the legacy of AmaZulu founder King Shaka Zulu. The AmaZulu Nation is also in mourning following the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini’s son Prince Butho.
An Imbizo on Land that was due to be held at the weekend has also been cancelled. Umkhosi weLembe, formerly King Shaka’s Day, draws thousands of AmaZulu each year.
The day celebrates the life of King Shaka, as the founder of the AmaZulu Nation.
Umkhosi weLembe also coincides with Heritage Day, when South Africans celebrate their rich culture. Following the passing of King Zwelithini’s son Prince Butho, all celebrations have been halted.
“Unfortunately, an unexpected tragedy has called on me to make several announcements; I have engaged the necessary consultations with the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Willies Mchunu to discuss the postponement of King Shaka Day celebrations which were scheduled to take place on Sunday. Out of respect for the royal family it was agreed that the celebrations will be moved to Saturday, 29 September to allow the family space to grieve,” says Traditional Prime Minister of the AmaZulu Nation Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Inkosi Buthelezi says a second imbizo on the issues of Ingonyama Trust land has also been postponed. A new date will be announced at a later stage. Prince Butho will be laid to rest on Sunday at Dlamahlahla Palace in Nongoma.
