King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini’s proposal to rename KwaZulu-Natal to KwaZulu is gaining momentum among political parties in the provincial legislature. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have gone further, suggesting that the country itself should be renamed Azania.
The discussion took centre stage during debates on Premier Thami Ntuli’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) at Pietermaritzburg City Hall on Tuesday. The king first raised the call to rename the province in January during the Battle of Isandlwana commemoration in Ntuthu, northern KwaZulu-Natal, and reiterated it during the opening of the legislature on Thursday.
EFF Advocates Removing Colonial Names and Symbols
EFF MPL Mongezi Twala emphasised that the party has long sought to remove “Natal” from the province’s name, citing its colonial origins. He argued that the name, along with colonial-era statues still on public display, serves as a reminder of past oppression.
The party has consistently called for the removal of symbols that perpetuate white supremacy and supports renaming South Africa to Azania. Twala also highlighted the need to recognise the Hlubi nation chieftaincy, which was lost in 1873 after the leader resisted colonial rule.
Calls for Historical Awareness and Environmental Responsibility
Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza stressed the importance of understanding the origins of the name Natal and preserving the province’s historical identity. He also drew attention to the environmental and social impact of the growing number of mines in KwaZulu-Natal, urging government intervention to protect affected communities.
Chiliza further called for support to prevent Tongaat Hulett from shutting down, warning that such a move would increase poverty among sugarcane farmers. He suggested that the Ingonyama Trust Board should be governed at the provincial level rather than by the national Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, and called for a review of relevant legislation to ensure it benefits rural communities.
Government Defends Achievements Amid Criticism
While the EFF and uMkhonto weSizwe Party welcomed the positive tone of Ntuli’s SOPA, they criticised the provincial government for lacking the budget to fulfil its promises. In response, IFP MPL and Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Mtomuhle Khawula accused opposition parties of opposing initiatives purely for political reasons.
Khawula highlighted government efforts to promote unity and development, citing the construction of libraries across northern, southern, and midland KwaZulu-Natal, all equipped with Wi-Fi. He also pointed to investments in sports development, including the King Smith Cricket Stadium in Durban, which will host matches during the 2027 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
He added that KwaZulu-Natal has been commended nationally for hosting reconciliation and heritage events, with King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini himself expressing confidence in the provincial government during recent cultural commemorations.
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