Divided opinion over possible Nkandla Municipality name change

The northern KwaZulu-Natal municipality of Nkandla may soon undergo a name change, but the proposal has sparked divided opinions regarding history, traditional leadership, and community consultation. The municipality seeks to rename it to Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela Local Municipality, honoring the traditional leader from eMahlayizeni.

Nkandla carries significant Zulu history, being linked to King Shaka Zulu, Inkosi Sigananda Shezi, and King Cetshwayo, whose remains are buried in the rural town of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Public submissions on the proposed name change closed on October 9th, with the deadline extended to encourage wider public participation. Mayor Nonhlanhla Nzuza supports the change, stating that Inkosi Biyela has contributed greatly to the community.

She highlights that the municipality's schools, some stores, and infrastructure improvements were implemented through his efforts. Nzuza argues that the name change would pay tribute to Biyela's contributions.

However, the HoShezi chieftaincy raises concerns about the consultation process, asserting that a newspaper advertisement was insufficient to engage with rural communities adequately. They assert that Nkandla is situated on land historically governed by the Shezi traditional authority and view the proposed name change as an insult.

Induna (headman) David Shezi expresses his discontent, stating that changing Nkandla's name to Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela would be an affront to the municipality and its people. He emphasizes that they are not at odds with iNkosi yas'eMahlayizeni but are dismayed at the centrality of Biyela's name in the issue. The Shezi chieftaincy's leader, David Shezi, contends that the council made a mistake by prioritizing the name change over protecting Nkandla's historical identity.