Online Reporter
Online Reporter
CHIEF Thulani Jubane of AbakwaMzilikazi and Inhlanga Zonke ZaseZimbabwe, representing Zimbabweans residing in South Africa, has lauded President Mnangagwa’s commitment to cultural renewal, citing the celebration of events like Munhumutapa Day and Mzilikazi Day as commendable examples.
Speaking from the eMashobeni Royal Palace, in Pongola, in the northern part of the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, where he recently attended the traditional Zulu reed dance, Mkhosi woMhlanga, Chief Jubane called for increased collaboration between Zimbabwe and the Zulu Nation to preserve and promote African heritage.
“President Mnangagwa’s commitment to cultural renewal through the celebration of events like Mzilikazi Day and Munhumutapa Day is to be embraced,” Chief Jubane said.
He emphasised the importance of these celebrations in uniting people and reinforcing traditional values.
“They bring people together, reinforce our traditions, and restore our nation’s pride. A nation that loses its culture is one that loses itself—and we’re not going to allow that to happen,” he said.
Chief Jubane also took the opportunity to compliment Zimbabwean traditional leaders for their efforts in reviving cultural practices that were suppressed under colonialism.
He specifically praised leaders like Chief Dakamela for their work.
“Our leaders in our nation, like Chief Mbusi Bhekithemba Dakamela and other traditional leaders, are doing a wonderful job in restoring our cultural ceremonies, rituals, and festivals,” he said.
“They are ensuring our children understand who they are and where they originated. That is how we build a solid nation—through culture.”
Chief Jubane, who originally hails from koSigola in the Umzingwane District of Matabeleland South, praised the Zulu reed dance as a shining example of how African societies can leverage culture to empower their youth.
The Mkhosi woMhlanga is a centuries-old Zulu ritual celebrating purity and cultural identity, where thousands of maidens and onlookers turn out to watch a spectacle of vibrant colour, music, and tradition.
Chief Jubane also extended an invitation to young Zimbabwean women residing in South Africa to participate in such cultural rites.
“This is not only a dance, but also a school of life,” he said.
“I would like to invite young Zimbabwean women in South Africa to join such cultural rites. They imbue discipline, dignity, and self-respect, and these are the very things that we need for a better future as Africans.”
In a symbolic gesture of cross-border solidarity, Chief Jubane and his delegation, on behalf of Zimbabweans in South Africa, presented King Misuzulu kaZwelithini with a special handcrafted cultural piece.
The gesture was met with warm applause from the royal family and visitors, further adding to the spirit of African brotherhood.
The Mkhosi woMhlanga, which coincides with the start of spring, is also a forum for addressing social challenges such as HIV, gender-based violence, and teenage pregnancy.
The Zulu elders use the event to mentor maidens, teaching them values of celibacy before marriage, respect for their bodies, and responsible adulthood.
Chief Jubane also reiterated the importance of culture as a foundation for national development.
“Culture is the foundation of development. Without it, we cannot grow as a people. When we protect our culture, we protect our future, our economy, and our humanity,” he said.
