Background
In KwaZulu-Natal, 24 September was known as Shaka Day, in commemoration of the Zulu King, Shaka. Shaka was the legendary Zulu King who played an important role in uniting disparate Zulu clans into a cohesive nation. Each year Zulu Kings and warriors gather at King Shaka's grave in Stanger and honor him on this day.
The Public Holidays Bill presented to the Parliament of South Africa at the time did not have 24 September included on the list of proposed public holidays. As a result of this exclusion, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected to the bill. Parliament and the IFP reached a compromise and the day was given its present title and seen as a public holiday.
| “ | ...when South Africans celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that makes up a "rainbow nation". It is the day to celebrate the contribution of all South Africans to the building of South Africa(sic) | ” |
| — Lowry 21:1995 |
Read more about this topic: Heritage Day (South Africa)
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