A palace for Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini may soon be built in Ballito.
While formal details are scant, the announcement was made by Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi while speaking at an event in Dokodweni on August 30.
Rev Buthelezi is both the Prime Minister for the Zulu Kingdom and MEC for the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
“We will build a palace for King Misuzulu KaZwelithini in Ballito under the iLembe District Municipality. This is where King Shaka resided and even his grave is there [in KwaDukuza],” said Buthelezi.
Plans for a new palace were first announced by former KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, during her state of the province address in February.
She said this was part of “recognition of the existential right of and support of the traditional leadership.”
The Kingdom currently has six palaces and the one in Ballito would be its seventh.
KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca welcomed the news.
“This is part of restoring our rich heritage and would serve a fitting tribute to the Zulu King Shaka kaSenzanghakhona,” she said.
“As the mayor, I will also lobby the council of KwaDukuza to ensure that this palace is established without any hindrances.”
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