Drop 'Natal' in KwaZulu, says NFP

THE National Freedom Party (NFP) has given AmaZulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s campaign to rename KwaZulu-Natal a boost, after becoming the second Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) partner to back the call. 

The king announced plans to have KwaZulu-Natal renamed KwaZulu during the 147th commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana last month. 

Speaking at a media briefing in Durban on Wednesday, NFP Provincial Secretary Zoe Mtshali said her party supported the king’s call to remove Natal.

She said it was wrong in the first place to add Natal, as many people in the province still don't know who Natal was.

“His Majesty is correct in calling for the removal of Natal from the province’s name. We can't be talking about the issue of illegal foreigners in our province and leave issues of names that were imposed on us by illegal foreigners in our land, such as Natal,” said Mtshali.

Cultural and political analysts however argue that dropping Natal and elevating one cultural community over others would have negative ramifications for unity and social cohesion. 

The NFP now joins the IFP in supporting the name change while another GPU partner, the ANC, said it would not endorse such a call.  

The NFP provincial leadership had called the media briefing to announce the programme to celebrate the posthumous birthday of its founder, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi, who would have turned 64 this month.

Mtshali said the programme will start today with a prayer and the laying of a wreath at her grave, and the main celebration with the entire membership of the party will take place on Saturday at a local school hall in Ulundi, north of the province.

Magwaza-Msibi passed away on September 6, 2021. 

Cape Times