The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal says any proposal to change the province’s name would have to follow the required constitutional and legal procedures.
The issue has resurfaced after Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini suggested that “Natal” be removed from the province’s name, arguing for a title that more fully reflects the heritage of the Zulu Kingdom.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has backed the suggestion, describing it as both timely and historically grounded. The party maintains that the current name is a compromise that does not adequately recognise the significance of the Zulu nation.
However, the ANC’s provincial coordinator, Mike Mabuyakhulu, said the party does not object to the existing name and believes attention should rather be directed toward unity and development in the province.
Speaking after a provincial task team meeting, Mabuyakhulu stressed that any change would require formal processes.
“Anyone who seeks to put the debate on the table will have to immerse themselves in the constitutional and legal processes because it is not something that can be determined by anyone alone,” he said.
He added that the ANC would only engage with the matter if a formal process is initiated, noting that the current name was the result of broad consensus.
The debate is expected to continue as political parties and traditional leaders weigh in on the province’s identity, but for now, any change remains firmly in the realm of due process rather than quick renaming.