Season two of Shaka iLembe has drawn criticism for its historical errors.
The Zulu royal family and cultural experts have strongly objected to the first two episodes, telling Sunday World that they are distorting significant Zulu historical figures and misleading the country.
The first episode shows Dawn Thandeka King’s character, Mkabayi kaJama, having an intimate relationship with Nongila Mabaso.
Mkabayi was never intimate with anyone, according to Prince Thulani Zulu, the spokesperson for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who has denounced this scene.
Informal complaints raised
“We saw the first episode and, for the first time, learnt that Mkabayi kaJama was supposedly intimate with Nongila Mabaso,” Prince Thulani Zulu said.
“We actually saw this particular scene at the launch of season two, and there were informal complaints about it.
“Yes, Mkabayi was always surrounded by men, izinduna [headmen], but we have never heard that she slept with any of them.
“As the royal family, we are not aware of any such relationship. This is not just misleading; it is offensive.”
Dr (Prince) Zeblon Zulu echoed these concerns: “What is happening is sad because it’s done in the name of the Zulu kingdom.
Distorting the Zulu culture
“That scene is despicable. Mkabayi was not a loose woman. The portrayal of her as someone she wasn’t is regrettable. The entire series is distorting our Zulu culture.”
Professor Nogwaja Zulu of the University of KwaZulu-Natal added: “In our history books and oral traditions, there is no account of Mkabayi being intimate with Nongila or any man.
“She had suitors but chose to remain unattached to maintain her authority. She didn’t marry or bear children precisely because she didn’t want to lose her power. Now, the first episode twists this history.”
Professor Zulu also critiqued another key inaccuracy. “When Shaka returned to his father’s homestead, he was not accompanied by his mother, Queen Nandi, as shown in the series.
“Historically, Shaka only fetched his mother from the Mhlongo homestead after he had secured the throne. Nandi was not part of the political manoeuvring at that early stage.”
Shaka’s expanding power
Furthermore, he corrected another distortion. “It is misleading to suggest that the AmaMpondo came to the Mthethwa.
“In reality, during Shaka’s reign, some men fled from his expanding power to the South Coast. They established themselves there as AmaMpondo and AmaBhaca.
“Others fled as far as Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. When history is twisted like this, it disrespects our ancestors and confuses our people.”
Mhlathuze Mhlongo, the spokesperson for the Mhlongo family, supported these clarifications. “It’s untrue that Queen Nandi accompanied Shaka to KwaNobamba.
“At that time, she was with her people at KwaMhlongo. Shaka only brought her to the royal residence after becoming king.”
At the time of publication, MultiChoice spokesperson Portia Hlongwane had not responded to Sunday World’s questions.
