The Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK Party) Royal and Traditional Leadership, a structure within the party tasked with tackling traditional leadership matters, says it supports the call to rename the province of KwaZulu-Natal by removing the colonial “Natal” and leaving only KwaZulu.
The structure says that the starting point of transformation and historical correction must be the renaming of the Province itself.
It added that KwaZulu existed long before colonial borders and names were imposed, and the continued attachment of the colonial name “Natal” to KwaZulu represents an unfinished process of decolonisation and cultural restoration.
“KwaZulu is not merely a geographic reference; it is a historical, cultural, and political reality rooted in African governance, royal authority, and nationhood. The removal of “Natal” is therefore an act of restoring dignity, sovereignty, and historical truth to the people of the Province. This position is consistent with Sections 30 and 31 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which protect cultural identity, language, and participation in cultural life, and affirm the right of communities to preserve and develop their heritage,” the structure said.
Furthermore, the structure said historically, KwaZulu is a land of royal seats and indigenous governance.
“In eThusini, where the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is currently situated, there once stood a Kwa-Khangela Mankengane Royal Palace (Isigodlo). This site symbolises African authority and governance systems that existed long before colonial and apartheid institutions. Furthermore, before crossing uThukela River toward KwaDukuza, another Royal Palace (Isigodlo) of iSilo stood in iLembe, the place from which King Shaka kaSenzangakhona united the Zulu nation.
“These historical realities affirm that KwaZulu is fundamentally a Kingdom grounded in African governance traditions. The affirmation of KwaZulu is further aligned with Section 211 of the Constitution, which recognises the institution, status, and role of traditional leadership according to customary law. It is also consistent with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which affirms traditional institutions as integral partners in governance, social cohesion, moral regeneration, and nation-building.”
The call to remove the name Natal was first made by King Misuzulu KaZwelithini last week at the commemoration of the battle of Isandlwana. It has since received the backing of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and others.
