The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature has thrown its support behind AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s call for the province to be renamed KwaZulu.
The Zulu monarch made the call while addressing the commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana in Nquthu, arguing that the word “Natal” should be removed from the province’s name.
The IFP has described the proposal as timely and historically grounded, saying the current name, KwaZulu-Natal, is a compromise that does not fully reflect the significance and legacy of the Zulu Kingdom.
IFP spokesperson Blessed Gwala said the move presents an opportunity to correct historical distortions, including the continued use of certain place names. He cited the example of uMgungundlovu, noting that it was originally the name of King Dingane’s royal palace near Ulundi.
“After its destruction, the Voortrekkers named Pietermaritzburg a fake uMgungundlovu with the deliberate intention of mocking and ridiculing the Zulu people,” Gwala said. “Continuing to refer to Pietermaritzburg as uMgungundlovu is deeply painful and unfortunate.”
Gwala also raised concerns about the spelling of other place names, such as Umbogintwini and Ixopo, saying inaccuracies undermine cultural and historical meaning.
“Place names carry history, meaning and collective memory. When written correctly, they restore linguistic integrity, affirm cultural heritage and honour the lived experiences of local communities,” he said.
He added that correcting place names can promote social cohesion, unity and reconciliation by ensuring public spaces accurately reflect the histories and identities of the people they represent.
Last week, King Misuzulu reiterated his view that the province should be known simply as KwaZulu, arguing that the continued use of the name “Natal” may be linked to many of the challenges facing the province.