Media personality and Shaka iLembe executive producer Nomzamo Mbatha is under fire after her recent post celebrating the show’s success stirred anger within Shaka Zulu’s family. According to Sunday World, the Mhlongo family, who claim lineage to Shaka, are accusing Mbatha of disrespecting their heritage and misrepresenting historical facts.
Mbatha took to social media on Wednesday to express her joy over Shaka iLembe’s achievements, including her first nomination for Best Actress in a TV Drama at the South African Film and Television Awards. “I feel deeply honoured by the recognition from the judges and fellow creatives,” she wrote. “We took home the award for Best TV Drama and 11 other trophies in different categories.” Mbatha also highlighted that the production had created 10,000 jobs, and praised the cast, crew, and industry leaders who helped bring the show to life.
Despite her heartfelt post, the Mhlongo family found it offensive. Their spokesperson, Mhlathuze Mhlongo, told Sunday World, “Nomzamo knows very well that there’s an ongoing dispute regarding Shaka iLembe. The play was broadcast without our consent… They lied and said they were just doing research. We gave them information, but we later found out they were actually planning to make Shaka iLembe.”
Mhlongo went on to claim that the show distorted their family’s history and misrepresented Zulu culture. He further stated that they had not been compensated for their intellectual property. “What we saw on TV was a misrepresentation of facts; actually, it was an insult to Nandi and his family,” Mhlongo continued, referring to Queen Nandi, Shaka’s mother. “We’re not jealous of Nomzamo, but she’s spitting on Nandi’s grave. She must just enjoy the money and keep Queen Nandi out of it; this is mockery.”
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