The set for “Shaka Zulu,” near Durban, South Africa

December 1969 Issue

The set for “Shaka Zulu,” near Durban, South Africa

Shaka, King of the Zulus (b. 1787- d. 1828), was the subject of epic poetry and song in Southern Africa and credited with uniting diverse tribes into the Zulu Nation.

For the 1986 South African Broadcasting Company TV series “Shaka Zulu,” the film company built a traditional Zulu umuzi (homestead) set in Nkwalini, near Durban, South Africa, complete with the impressive, elephant-tusk-bedecked gateway seen in August’s photo. The film set was bought by the Protea Hotel group and turned into Shakaland, where, today, visitors can see traditional tribal dancing, spear making and beer-drinking ceremonies, as well as stay in the adjacent 55-room hotel.

Fifteen readers sent in correct answers by the deadline, and RITA VERA of Robstown, Texas, won the drawing. We thank Daissy P. Owen of Iowa City, Iowa, for contributing the photo.