ANC KZN urges patience as KwaZulu-Natal name change debate intensifies
ANC Provincial Task Team Convener Mike Mabuyakhulu urged caution and subjecting the proposed name change for KwaZulu-Natal made by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to a consultation process that is in line with the Constitution.
Image: TUMI PAKKIES Independent Newspapers
Following King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's comments on dropping 'Natal' from the province's name, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal clarifies it has no official stance and warns against divisive speculation until constitutional processes begin.
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has moved to clarify its position on the ongoing debate around the possible renaming of the province, stressing that it has not adopted any stance on the matter.
Thursday's clarification follows heightened public discussion after comments made by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the Battle of Isandlwana's 147th commemoration in Nquthu two weeks ago, which reignited calls for the province to drop "Natal" from its name.
In a media statement issued on Wednesday, the ANC said it had made no formal pronouncements on the proposed name change and warned against speculative reporting suggesting otherwise.
This week, the ANC Provincial Task Team convener Mike Mabuyakhulu offered the party's position on the name change, stressing the process of constitutional amendment requirements.
The debate is intensifying on the proposed name change for KwaZulu-Natal by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the 147th commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana last month.
Image: Supplied
Constitutional process required
The ANC said any move to rename KwaZulu-Natal would require a constitutional amendment and must follow legally prescribed public consultation processes.
"The ANC has simply clarified that this process will require the amendment of the Constitution and relevant public consultation processes prescribed in our democratic legislation," the statement said.
The party also noted that the province’s current name was the product of extensive dialogue and consensus-building, which led to its constitutional recognition.
No formal submissions yet
According to the ANC, no formal submissions or requests regarding the renaming of KwaZulu-Natal have been submitted to relevant authorities at this stage.
"This is precisely what the ANC is clarifying," the party said, adding that it would only articulate its position once official processes for submissions are opened by legally mandated bodies.
Call for responsible reporting
Describing the issue as highly emotive, the ANC cautioned against discussions that could divide or polarise communities in the province.
The party urged the media to report accurately and avoid misrepresentation or speculative framing that could prejudice any party involved.
"The media must report accurately and should not misinterpret or misinform the public," the statement read.
ANC to engage once legal channels open
The ANC reiterated that it has neither objected to nor endorsed the proposed renaming and will only do so when appropriate platforms are created through lawful processes.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to lawful, transparent and inclusive engagement, saying it would participate publicly once constitutional and statutory requirements are met.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) have both thrown their weight behind the Zulu monarch's call for the renaming. The IFP, through its national chairperson, Blessed Gwala, reiterated that its support for the province's renaming predates the King's proposal.
Inkatha Freedom Party national chairperson Blessed Gwala said their support for the name change predates the Zulu King's call and they would suggest the renaming to be expanded to Pietermaritzburg which he called a 'fake' uMgungundlovu which was imposed by colonialists to ridicule the Zulu nation.
Image: SIBONELO NGCOBO Independent Newspapers
IFP points to a 'fake' uMgungundlovu
The current name remains a compromise that failed to fully reflect this reality. We further believe that His Majesty’s call opens the door to addressing other long-standing historical distortions, particularly the matter of Pietermaritzburg, which is referred to as uMgungundlovu.
"It is a well-known fact that uMgungundlovu was King Dingane’s royal palace near Ulundi, which was destroyed, after which the Voortrekkers named Pietermaritzburg a "fake" uMgungundlovu with the deliberate intention of mocking and ridiculing the Zulu people," read the statement.
PAC Secretary General Apa Pooe said, "The PAC has consistently argued that colonial and apartheid symbols should not enjoy permanent status in a liberated Azania (South Africa)."
The party also commended the renaming of East London to KuGompo, describing it as a restoration of indigenous African place names that existed before colonial conquest that erased African presence and memory.
Divided opinion
The proposal has divided opinion between and among cultural experts and political analysts, with no consensus on the issue. Cultural experts, in the main, agree with the renaming, citing the historical significance and restoration of pride, while some analysts see the move as low on the list of priorities on the social issues that bedevil the coastal province, and some cite the potential unintended division it could cause to races and ethnic groups who are not Zulu.