The old statue that was removed 14 years ago. Image source: Botha Andries
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The original R3.2 million statue, created by Andries Botha, was replaced with a new one in 2010 due to the critical claims over its inaccurate portrayal of the Zulu King’s nation. Some noted that Botha’s portrayal of King Shaka beside Nguni cattle in his three-meter-high sculpture was inaccurate and too small.
Professor Sihawu Ngubane, an expert in Zulu culture, pointed out that the original statue’s layout, which had the king positioned on the ground, gave the impression that he was inferior, looking like a young coward, to be specific. This critique resulted in artist Peter Hall being asked to create a new sculpture in 2011, inspired by the sole existing image of Shaka drawn by James King in 1824.
The recently erected statue, which is five meters tall and placed on a six-meter pedestal, seeks to more accurately represent the king’s importance. Ntando Mnyandu, spokesperson for the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal, verified the size of the statue.
Botha’s departure from the project was not without controversy. He had previously received opposition for his elephant artwork beside the N3 highway, which was perceived to resemble the Inkatha Freedom Fighter (IFP) insignia. However, his elephant artwork, which has been displayed all around the world, investigates how humans connect with nature.
The official unveiling is set for November 7, 2024, at King Shaka International Airport. This celebration opens a new chapter in the airport’s history and pays more proper respect to the famed AmaZulu king.
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