eThekwini responds to Zulu kings’ banner outcry
This comes after the concerned citizens took to social media on Monday morning, to comment on the new banner and the removal of a banner that depicted the Zulu kings.
FOLLOWING the mixed views related to a newly installed banner, that highlights the service delivery achievements of the City, at Nicol Square Garage in Durban’s CBD, the eThekwini Municipality has swiftly responded to the public outcry.
This comes after the concerned citizens took to social media on Monday morning, to comment on the new banner and the removal of a banner that depicted the Zulu kings.
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One of the concerned citizens, Vusi Khoza, the chairperson of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in KwaZulu-Natal, took to social media and called out the eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, to account for the removal of the banner.
“This is a disgrace and disrespect to the Zulu people and their kings. If we don’t get answers, we are going to come in person,” said Khoza.
Responding to the public, municipal spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said they have noted the comments about the new banner.
He said: “The municipality reiterates its respect for the Zulu royal family and for the institution of uBuKhosi, which is why we celebrated Zulu kings through the previous banner and educated the public about Zulu kings. The banner is for advertising, it is not a monument to Zulu Kings or a statue. By their very nature, advertising banners have a defined lifespan.”
Mayisela alluded that there are many permanent sites that celebrate the Zulu Royal family and Zulu kings throughout the municipality.
“These sites are more permanent than an advertising banner. We have King Shaka International Airport, King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Princess Magogo Stadium, Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, King Dinizulu Statue, Queen Nandi Drive and a busk of King Goodwill Zwelithini at Mitchell Park, to name a few. We have also hosted a number of events with the Royal Household. When our mayors get appointed, one of their first engagements is to visit the Royal family to pay their respects,” he said.
He reminded the public that before the kings’ banner, the space held a banner of the previous presidents of the African National Congress. Mayisela revealed that the Zulu kings’ banner occupied the advertising space for more than a year, which may have caused the public to think the banner would be there permanently.
He said the advertising banners are changed from time to time.
“Similarly, the replacement of Amakhosi with service delivery achievements, is not meant to be disrespectful in any way. The current banner also has a defined lifespan and it will be replaced by something else,” said Mayisela.
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