Government ignores call to keep politics out of Zulu ceremony

By Celani Sikhakhane

• Government banners were displayed at the uMkhosi weSivivane ceremony despite the Zulu Prime Minister calling for all political and government branding to be removed from royal events.

• The annual ceremony, revived by the late Queen Regent Mantfombi kaSobhuza, celebrates women and encourages them to work together to build businesses and support their communities.

A fresh row has erupted after government branding appeared at one of the Zulu Kingdom’s important cultural ceremonies despite calls for the practice to end.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture displayed its banners during the annual uMkhosi weSivivane ceremony held over the weekend at eMashobeni Royal Palace.

The department’s banners were placed around the venue, while tables where Zulu queens were seated were also covered with government branded tablecloths.

The ceremony brought together hundreds of women from across the province, members of the royal family and traditional leaders.

Last month, Zulu Prime Minister Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza urged the provincial government to stop displaying government and political branding at royal events.

He said the practice undermines the dignity and political neutrality of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.

Chiliza argued that the King belongs to all Zulu people and should never be associated with political campaigns or government marketing.

He pointed to previous royal events, including the Battle of Isandlwana commemoration, where large government banners and images of politicians were displayed.

According to Chiliza, only official Zulu Kingdom branding featuring the King’s image should be displayed at royal ceremonies, regardless of who pays for the event.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised.

In 2015, the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu also criticised politicians for using royal events to promote themselves.

He warned that cultural gatherings should never become platforms for political ambitions.

Despite the controversy over the branding, this year’s uMkhosi weSivivane ceremony went ahead successfully.

The ceremony was revived by the late Queen Regent Shiyiwe Mantfombi kaSobhuza to empower rural women and encourage them to start businesses and earn their own income.

The event also gives women an opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another and discuss ways to improve the lives of their families and communities.

Addressing the gathering, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela urged women to stand together and support one another.

“Without the unity of women, this Kingdom will be doomed. It is important for us as women to work together for our families and our communities,” she said.

The annual ceremony remains one of the Zulu Kingdom’s important cultural events, focusing on women’s empowerment, unity and community development.

Picture above: Zulu queens attended the annual uMkhosi weSivivane ceremony, where government branding sparked fresh debate over politics at royal events.

Image source: Zulu Royal Kingdom.