Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
THE Zulu nation, under King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, will send a royal delegation of princes led by Umntwana Thulani Zulu to attend this year’s Imiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival as special guests.
The much anticipated event, also known as the Chief Dakamela Achievers’ Awards, will run from 3 to 6 April at Chief Dakamela’s homestead in Nkayi, Matabeleland North.
Umntwana Thulani, King Misuzulu’s official spokesperson (SoMlomo), will lead the royal delegation of princes, among them Umntwana Nkinobho Zulu, Umntwana Phumlani of the Nyonini royal house, and Umntwana Jabulani from the eZulwini royal house.
The royal envoy will be accompanied by Izinduna (chiefs) Mncwango, Shandu and Mdlalose, as well as other notable members of the Zulu royal family and Amabutho, who are also expected to participate in the celebrations.
Festival curator Chief Dakamela, who attended King Misuzulu’s wedding to his third wife, Queen Nomzamo kaMyeni, at KwaKhangelankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma last year, said it was a great honour for the Zulu King to accept his invitation and send Abantwana as part of the royal delegation.
He said the gesture underscores the importance of preserving relations and unity, reinforcing the idea that Africans remain one people, connected to shared history and heritage.
“Relationships are built through engagement, and our motto at the Dakamela Foundation is ‘Love and Appreciation Knows No Boundaries’. This means relationships transcend borders, tribes and race – we cannot exist in isolation, but as one.”
“The idea of inviting Abantwana is to create an ecosystem where Isizwe Ezimnyama can meet, network, and remind ourselves that we are one, and that these relationships must be nurtured over time,” Chief Dakamela said.
“The presence of Abantwana is highly significant as we seek to reconnect Africa with its roots and the Ubuntu that defined our ancestors. Their attendance marks a step forward in our journey of rediscovery,” added Chief Dakamela.
Imiklomelo kaDakamela, established in 2023, honours outstanding individuals and institutions for their contributions while they are still alive. The awards recognise excellence in music, arts, sport, entertainment, business, cultural preservation and community service.
Notable recipients include poet Albert Nyathi, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, Iyasa director Innocent Dube, historian Arnold Nkala, Chief Mathema, Chief Thulani Jubane and philanthropist Virgie Ncube, among others.
