Iqhaza elibanjwe umdlalo kamabonakude uShaka iLembe ukuthuthukisa nokulondoloza ulimi lwesiZulu.

Language is the weapon of any nation. The extinction of a language means the extinction of the history of that nation because the language highlights the nature of a person and how that nation differs from others. It is the tool that makes a person know who they are and what nation they come from. This study examines the role played by the television series uShaka iLembe in the development and preservation of isiZulu. The purpose of this research is to look at the message that this drama has sent and the steps it has taken to develop and preserve isiZulu. This study used the qualitative research method to gather information about what has been written about the uShaka iLembe drama, following the comments of its fans and what happened while the drama aired. This research is supported by the language management theory (LMT) to discover and analyse the facts about the use of isiZulu in the drama uShaka iLembe, which the researchers perceive as a way to improve and preserve the language. The data were analysed by sorting information according to categories (thematic coding). This study found that although the drama uShaka iLembe focuses on educating people about the history of the Zulu nation, it appears that they also emphasise the use of isiZulu, especially proverbs, idioms and the language of honour (ulimi lokuhlonipha). This shows that they use the depth and beauty of the langauge to promote authentic isiZulu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]