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The actors and crew of the highly anticipated series, Shaka Ilembe, allegedly got aggressive when they visited the late Queen Nandi’s burial and enraged her relatives. Their visit was part of the series’ production, but they were not welcomed when they arrived unexpectedly.
According to the Daily Sun, Shaka Zulu’s family tried to push the crew away but eventually allowed them shoot for the sake of peace.
Inkosi Mshazi Nzuza told the publication, “I was told by induna Ngelemu Mdlalose that a large group of people, including Nomzamo had invaded Queen Nandi’s grave. Mdlalose wanted to know if I knew or had authorised their visit. But I was also shocked and disturbed because I had no knowledge of the visit,” he said to the publication.
He argued that they have the right to deny anyone visit and that customary law allows them to punish the offense.
“Any guest or visitor in the area must report to the local induna and myself as a chief. But this was not the case. They simply went straight to the gravesite. We still don’t know why,” he added.
They had reported the event to the chief.
This is not the first time the show has been engaged in controversy.
The families involved in Shaka Zulu’s reign demand that they be appropriately paid for their contributions.
The Mhlongo family spokesperson said, “We were picked up from our homes and taken to Ballito where we stayed for about three days. During those days, we were filmed and we were narrating each and every detail about King Shaka and Queen Nandi. We even took them to all the locations where Shaka lived as a teenager,” said Mhlathuze Mhlongo,
“We also showed them the river where Nandi bathed every morning and all the places she liked. We know this information because both King Shaka and his mother, Queen Nandi, were from the Mhlongo clan,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Mthethwa family, Phila Mthethwa said, “We phoned and we texted them [drama series producers] but they ignored us, they actually excluded us from the production,” he said. “Therefore, we regard this as theft of intellectual property, and we will not let them use it anywhere until this issue is resolved. We will interdict them if need be.”
Nomzamo’s involvement in the series is not just as an actress but she played a role in the production too.
“I am honoured to bring the giant that is Queen Nandi to life. History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza!”
Nomzamo Mbathaplays Queen Nandi, Shaka’s renowned mother, Thembinkosi Mthembu portrays King Dingiswayo, and Wiseman Mncube portrays King Zwide. Lemogang Tsipa (adult king) and newcomer Ntando Zondi play the young and old Shaka (boy king). Mkabayi kaJama, Shaka Zulu’s aunt, will be played by Dawn Thandeka King.