By Celani Sikhakhane
- King Cetshwayo kaMpande’s grave in Nkandla has been left in ruins, 141 years after his death, despite calls to restore it.
- The government spends big money on Isandlwana events, but his grave remains forgotten, angering visitors and the Zulu royal family.
The grave of King Cetshwayo kaMpande, the Zulu king who beat the British army in 1879, is falling apart.
It is in Nkandla under the Shezi clan. Local traditional leaders and Bhinca Nation president Ngizwe Mchunu recently visited the grave and were shocked.
Mchunu said he went there to show respect to the king. He also welcomed a Shembe Church leader who came to Nkandla.
“But I was very upset. The grave is in a bad condition. Government must fix it because it can bring tourists to the area,” he said.
Cetshwayo was the last Zulu king whom Britain accepted as a real leader. He led the Zulu army to a big win at the Battle of Isandlwana, even though the British had more guns and soldiers.
Now, 141 years after he died in February 1884, his grave still looks like no one cares. This has upset visitors and members of the Zulu royal family.
They are angry that the government holds big events to remember the battle, but does nothing for the king’s resting place.
In 2022, the Zulu royal family told the government to fix the grave. They even said they would do rituals to allow the work. But nothing happened.
Attempts to get answers from the KwaZulu-Natal government and the royal family failed.
Pictured above: The neglected grave of King Cetshwayo kaMpande in Nkandla.
Image source: Eshowe.com
