ARTISTS EXHIBIT AT KING SHAKA

(Clive Sithole. Photo: Ntkozo Madlala)

Anticipation mounts as Umgidi Welembe at King Shaka International Airport approaches on Saturday (September 29)s, celebrating the heritage of the mighty Zulu Kingdom

Exhibiting their arts and crafts at King Shaka International Airport this week are five distinguished Durban-based artists who are taking part in the upcoming Zulu200 pageant of Zulu culture, Umgidi Welembe, celebrating the wealth of Zulu heritage in KwaZulu-Natal. They are Nhlanhla Chonco, Nozipho Mbhele, Duduzile Motolo, Busisiwe Ntuli and Clive Sithole.

2016 is the 200th Anniversary of the formation of the Zulu Nation by King Shaka kaSenzangakhona. To highlight this historic event, Zulu200 is staging a spectacular annual celebration at KwaZulu-Natal’s King Shaka International Airport, as part of the build-up to the bicentennial celebrations in 2016.

Zulu200 was conceived and is being driven by CEO Mandla KaNozulu and Chairman Duma Ndlovu. The initiative seeks to enhance awareness of the multi-faceted historic and cultural landscapes that comprise the legacy of the Zulu Kingdom and its people. It will see the production of literary, audio and film materials, to empower and inspire citizens of KwaZulu-Natal through information, education and connectivity.

The project launched in 2011 at King Shaka International Airport. This will again be the scene of this year’s pageant on September 29, which is being supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, Ethekwini Municipality, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Metro Rail.

Reflecting the rich tapestry of history of the Zulu nation, this red-letter event will see hundreds of Amabutho, traditional Zulu dancers, Izimbongi and musicians performing before a distinguished audience headed by the Zulu King, with the Premiere of KwaZulu-Natal and many other frontline national and provincial dignitaries in attendance.

King Zwelithini has extended a warm invitation to the people of KwaZulu-Natal to come and enjoy this ground-breaking celebration at Umgidi Welembe 2012. Endorsing King Shaka International Airport as a living monument to its historic namesake who was the founder of the Zulu Nation, the airport terminal façade and interiors will be dressed in celebratory cladding for the royal occasion.

Umgidi Welembe 2012 is expected to draw a crowd of 5,000 invited guests and onlookers to the spectacular cultural display. Adding a further dimension to the colourful festivities, a week-long exhibition of traditional Zulu art and craft will be on display on the airport site preceding and during the day-long celebration.

Proceedings on the day will start at 10h00 with a parade through the King Shaka Airport terminal, leading to a designated area nearby, where performances will take place, following an opening address by King Zwelithini. The day’s programme will culminate at 17h00 after presentations and performances by maskandi groups. Admission is free and all are welcome.