A new date has been set for the unveiling of the statue of the founding father of the Zulu nation, King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, located at the King Shaka International Airport.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli on Tuesday said the statue is likely to be unveiled on November 7 following negotiations with the Presidency and the royal family.
Ntuli revealed this during a media briefing while providing an update on the challenges and successes of his government since it was constituted 100 days ago.
He stated that his office was liaising with the office of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini regarding the unveiling.
“The province plans to unveil the iconic King Shaka statue at King Shaka International Airport.
“The Office of the Premier is seized with the responsibility of liaising with His Majesty to identify a date on which the long-awaited statue could be unveiled,” said the Premier.
The unveiling of the statue has been a protracted affair, with several dates proposed in the past that ultimately did not materialise.
The first statue of King Shaka at the airport was taken down years ago when the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu raised concerns that the statue was not befitting and not a true reflection of the AmaZulu nation.
Ntuli also said that progress was being made on completing the 1860 Indentured Indian Labourers Monument.
Ntuli also revealed that government entities are developing tourism plans centred on the heritage of the Zulu Kingdom.
“Departments of Economic Development, Tourism, Sport, Arts and Culture, and the AMAFA Institute are developing a plan to refocus cultural tourism and rebrand KZN using the Zulu Kingdom as key messaging. A committee comprising these various departments and entities has been established and has already presented its proposals.”
Outlining other plans and achievements of the different government departments, Ntuli listed several investments amounting to millions that will create thousands of jobs.
Regarding successes achieved in other departments, he mentioned that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has unlocked blocked projects valued at around R300 million.
He added that through the Public-Private Partnership initiative, the department was well-positioned to reduce its annual rates bill of around R1.6 billion by handing over some of its unutilised buildings to NGOs and municipalities.
“The department has moved to reclaim abandoned buildings with the purpose of repurposing them to address issues of housing and student accommodation,” said the premier.
Ntuli also revealed that the province was working closely with business, the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Coalition, the Economic Council, and Chambers of Business to galvanise collaboration and increase business confidence, boost growth and job creation.
“We have also forged a partnership agreement with the Services Seta and Property Practitioner Regulatory Authority to implement a 12-month leadership programme for 800 youth in the Real Estate sector.
He said in the 2024/25 financial year, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development was planning to support 12 296 producers to cultivate 15 535 hectares.
He said the department will continue to intensify its food security programmes.
“The KwaZulu-Natal Cabinet Lekgotla has resolved to strengthen the capacity and support for struggling municipalities to ensure that they can provide basic services to our people, ensure sound financial management, and facilitate economic growth,” he said.
The Mercury