Divided opinion over possible Nkandla Municipality name change

Nkandla Municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal could soon have a new name, but the proposal has received divided opinion over history, traditional leadership and community consultation.

The municipality wants to rename it to Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela Local Municipality, in recognition of the traditional leader from eMahlayizeni.

Nkandla is steeped in Zulu history, with heritage linked to King Shaka Zulu, Inkosi Sigananda Shezi and King Cetshwayo, who is buried in the rural north KwaZulu-Natal town.

Public submissions on the proposed name change closed on the 9th of October after the deadline was extended to allow for broader public participation.

Mayor Nonhlanhla Nzuza says the change would recognise Inkosi Biyela’s contribution to the community.

“Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela has done a lot at Nkandla.

You can name … the schools; some other schools here in Nkandla were built through his efforts.

There are some stores that have been built by him in order to assist the people of Nkandla.

Because people used to go to Melmoth or Eshowe, but with his efforts he tried to negotiate, and there are some stores that we have now.

So for that we would like to name the municipality after him although there are some people that don’t agree with that,” adds Nzuza Meanwhile, HoShezi chieftaincy says residents were not adequately consulted, arguing that a newspaper advert alone excluded many people in rural communities.

It maintains that Nkandla is situated on land historically under Shezi traditional authority, and views the proposed name change as an insult.

Induna (headman) David Shezi says, “It’s an insult to the Nkandla municipality or to the people of Nkandla to change the name of Nkandla to be called by the name of whosoever.

We are not fighting with iNkosi yas’eMahlayizeni, but it’s unfortunate that we have to talk about him because he has been put at the centre of the issue.” “As we respect Amakhosi, we feel bitter to talk about the name of Inkosi.

And that alone, to us, the council made a mistake because they were supposed to protect the name of Inkosi. -Reporting by Gcinokuhle Malinga