After a 14-year journey marked by both anticipation and controversy, the long-awaited statue of King Tshaka kaSenzangakhona will finally be unveiled on Thursday at the King Shaka International Airport, just outside Durban.

The ceremony, expected to attract significant national attention, will be led by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini alongside KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, with President Cyril Ramaphosa also scheduled to attend.

The provincial government of KwaZulu-Natal, in collaboration with the national government and the Zulu Royal House, has organized the event as a tribute to the legendary King Shaka.

Known worldwide as a military strategist and a unifier of the Nguni clans into what became the Zulu nation, King Shaka’s legacy endures nearly two centuries after his reign, which spanned from 1816 to 1828.

His contributions to Zulu history, culture, and identity remain pivotal, making this statue a significant cultural and historical symbol.

The statue’s unveiling comes after a series of delays and controversies surrounding its design and representation.

Initially commissioned over a decade ago, the statue faced criticism from the Zulu royal family, who expressed dissatisfaction with the initial portrayal, arguing it misrepresented King Shaka’s legacy by depicting him as a “herd boy” rather than a revered warrior and leader.

In accordance with royal protocol, which requires approval from the Zulu royal family before any public statue of a Zulu king is revealed, the initial statue was removed.

Two years ago, a new statue was installed at the airport, but it has remained concealed behind scaffolding until now.

The 6.5-meter monument, approved by King Misuzulu himself, is set to be unveiled in a ceremony intended to celebrate the enduring legacy of King Shaka and to offer a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and pride for both KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

Thursday’s event is expected to draw not only local attendees but also guests from across the country.

The provincial government has expressed hope that the statue will serve as a lasting tribute to King Shaka’s achievements and his role as the founding father of the Zulu nation, symbolizing resilience and pride for generations to come.