King Shaka Memorial, Memorial in KwaDukuza, South Africa

The King Shaka Memorial is a tiered memorial of pale cream stone blocks rising from a stepped base to a tall central pillar, topped by a carved stone urn and enclosed by a low gray metal fence with pointed posts. An arched panel on the pillar holds a dark circular medallion, and the word "TSHAKA" is carved in capitals on a flat band below it, with inscribed text blocks set above the arch. It stands in KwaDukuza on the site of King Shaka's grave.

The monument was erected in 1932 on the site of King Shaka's grave at Dukuza, his capital; according to the 1938 Government Gazette it was made in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. Shaka was killed on 24 September 1828 while sitting on a rock near the barracks, stabbed by his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana. The memorial is a provincial heritage site in KwaDukuza.

Before South Africa's democracy, 24 September was known in Natal as Shaka's Day, when King Shaka kaSenzangakhona was honoured for forging the Zulu nation from separate clans. The public holiday is now called Heritage Day, and each year people still gather at the memorial on that date to show respect to the king.

The memorial stands in KwaDukuza, the town formerly called Stanger, on the site of Shaka's grave; the rock linked to his assassination lies beside it, having been rolled across the street from its original position. The monument is enclosed by a low gray metal fence with pointed posts, so the carved "TSHAKA" band and the medallion are best read from outside the railing. The annual gathering is held on 24 September.

The monument was cast in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, and erected in 1932 on the grave site, as recorded in the 1938 Government Gazette. Its stepped cream stone base, arched panel with a dark medallion, carved urn and the name "TSHAKA" on an inset band are details to look for.