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Amabutho

latest news & developments
National treasure: Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs at the Joburg Theatre on 25 May as part of their South African Legacy Tour. Photo: Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images via Getty Images
MOBILE ACADEMY

Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Under international skies

The spirit of the original group formed in the 1960s is still present today

  • Lesego Chepape
5 min read
Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelez.
AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

Buthelezi attacks Nkandla march by Zulu regiments in support of Zuma as ‘treasonous’

Prime minister to Zulu monarch says amabutho acted without permission of royal family

  • Paddy Harper
3 min read
Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs during the opening ceremony of the 123rd IOC session on July 5, 2011 in Durban. (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
ALBERT MAZIBUKO

How Joseph Shabalala’s Mambazo chopped the competition down

The founder of the group’s openness to collaboration took Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s isicathamiya music around the globe

  • Kwanele Sosibo
8 min read
Although amaHlubi regularly honour their heritage, the government is still to recognise them as a nation with a rightful king, Inkosi Langabilalele II, and their land. (Paul Botes/M&G)
AMABUTHO

amaHlubi’s battle against colonial legacy heads to high court

One of South Africa’s oldest nations is fighting for recognition of its king, language and ancestral land

  • Lucas Ledwaba
11 min read
Amabutho protest outside the Durban City Hall earlier this year. The recommendations that the Ingonyama Trust should be dissolved has upset traditional leaders.
AMABUTHO

KZN amakhosi enraged over ANC land reform bid

A parliamentary panel and the ANC want King Zwelithini’s Ingonyama Trust to be dissolved

  • Paddy Harper
6 min read