Dignitaries honour Shaka

KWADUKUZA -- Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini and Deputy President Jacob Zuma were among thousands of people who attended King Shaka's Day memorial celebrations at KwaDukuza (formerly Stanger) in northern KwaZulu-Natal at the weekend.

The colourful ceremony attracted thousands of people, most of whom were clad in traditional dress.

Among dignitaries was Inkatha Freedom Party leader and Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Lionel Mtshali, MPs, MPLs, amakhosi and diplomats from a number of countries.

At the celebration, Zwelithini bestowed the King Shaka Gold Medal on Buthelezi, his uncle.

The award was given in recognition of Buthelezi's role in promoting unity among Zulus.

King Shaka was a powerful Zulu military leader from 1815 to 1828 and, besides being an important figure in South African history, holds special symbolism in Zulu culture.

The celebration commemorated his death and is held in KwaDukuza annually near his grave.

According to the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism website KwaDukuza was where Shaka built his last capital, called kwaDukuza -- "the place of the lost person".

He was murdered there by his half brother Dingane in 1828 and his body thrown into a grain pit.

The municipality of Stanger was renamed KwaDukuza in 1998 and stands on the site of the royal kraal. -- Sapa