Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
MHLALANDLELA came alive on Saturday as thousands of people descended on the historic site to celebrate the legacy of the iconic king of the Ndebele nation, King Mzilikazi.
What is usually a quiet historical site on the outskirts of Bulawayo was transformed into a sea of traditional regalia, music, dance and colourful cultural performances as people from Zimbabwe and beyond gathered to honour the legendary monarch.
From early morning, the streets of Bulawayo were buzzing.
At 7am, the celebrations kicked off with a massive cultural parade from Matshobana Township, with amatshitshi, amaguqa, abafana and amabutho taking the lead.
Decked out in traditional attire, the colourful procession wound its way through Matshobana, Nguboyenja, Mzilikazi and Makokoba before making its way into the city centre.
The procession stopped at the statue of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Nkomo before moving to the Large City Hall car park, where revellers were transported to Mhlahlandlela for the main ceremony.
And when the crowds arrived, the party was only beginning.
Young and old turned up in their numbers, with elderly cultural enthusiasts, children, traditional groups and visitors all adding colour to the massive gathering.
The event even drew visitors from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and China, turning Mhlahlandlela into a cultural melting pot.
At the heart of it all was the memory of King Mzilikazi.
Born near Mkuze in Zululand in 1790, Mzilikazi broke away from King Shaka in 1823 and went on to build the Ndebele nation.
He died on September 9, 1868, and was buried at Entumbane in Matobo, about 20kms from Bulawayo.
This year’s commemorations marked 158 years since his death and demonstrated that his legacy remains deeply rooted in the identity, culture and history of the Ndebele people.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe, the guest of honour, hailed the massive turnout.
“Your presence is a reminder that we are gathered on sacred ground. We gather not to just remember a king but a builder.
“King Mzilikazi kaMatshobane was not just a warrior, he was a nation builder, a unifier and a custodian of identity,” he said.
He said culture remained central to how communities function.
“Culture is the way we resolve conflict. It is the way we farm, it is the way we treat our elderly, it is how we lead and how we govern,” he said.
The celebrations also strengthened cultural ties across borders.
Royal guest Dumisani Mthembo Dube, chairman of the Umkhosi WeNxwala Ceremony in Zambia under the kingship of Mpezeni, described the event as a powerful platform for cultural exchange.
“It is a great thing for the nation to unite to revive African culture. It’s a great honour that I was invited to be part of this event,” he said.
Dube said he would take what he had learnt back to Zambia and share it with other Nguni communities.
The arrival of South African showbiz stars added another layer of excitement to the celebrations.
Maskandi heavyweight Khuzani Mpungose and stars of the hit television series Shaka iLembe – Dawn Thandeka King and Mpilo Mbatha, who played Mkabayi and Mzilikazi respectively – were among the celebrity guests.
Khuzani, who was visiting Zimbabwe for the first time, said the welcome left him stunned.
“It’s my first time to be in Zimbabwe, KwaBulawayo, and I am shocked with what I am seeing here,” he said.
The Maskandi star, whose legion of followers are popularly known as the “blue nation”, said the reception made him feel like royalty.
“The cultural songs at this ceremony were sung in isintu, a great common thing that we do in KwaZulu. Basically, my experience here confirmed that indeed we are one people,” he said.
For Dawn Thandeka King, the trip was not simply another celebrity appearance.
It was a homecoming.
The actress had earlier visited Bulawayo for Imiklomelo kaDakamela and later travelled to Nkayi, where she immersed herself in local culture and interacted with communities.
She said her previous experience had been so meaningful that she ended up extending her stay.
“Being here already feels like home,” she said.
King said she had held acting classes and explored business opportunities during her previous visit and was back to continue her cultural journey.
“My roots are connected with the Khumalo people, and I felt like royalty to be invited for this great day, celebrating the legacy of King Mzilikazi,” she said.
