Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The African Kingdoms Diaspora Alliance (AKDA) has endorsed the upcoming Imiklomela KaDakamela, also known as the Chief Dakamela’s Achievers Awards, as they confirmed their participation at the awards that champion Ubuntu and the promotion of culture.
The fourth edition of the awards is slated for April 3 to 6, at Chief Dakamela’s homestead in Nkayi, Matabeleland North.
AKDA was founded in 2017, dedicated to promoting African cultural identity, unity, and the philosophy of Ubuntu globally. It serves as a bridge between the African continent and its global diaspora, focusing on the preservation of heritage and the integration of traditional leadership into modern development.
“AKDA and the team are attending this year’s Chief Dakamela’s Achievers Awards. We are also inviting many people from all walks of life to join us at this exciting event, awarding the people and their amazing works that promote African heritage,” reads part of the statement by AKDA.
The organisation is supporting the awards as its foundation aligns with their philosophies of cultural unity, heritage preservation and youth integration.
“These awards are advocating for the ‘Ubuntu’ philosophy, which is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity, to unify diverse African cultures.
“Many people from different tribes and ethnicities from across Africa and beyond have been and continue to be part of these awards. Such a gathering protects the African languages, customs and traditions through different activities that we have witnessed at the cultural festival.
“Led by a young chief, the awards also involve young leaders, ensuring the continuity of African cultural values in the digital and global age. We take pride in being part of such events because they remind us to stay connected to our roots,” reads the statement.
Chief Dakamela, who was appointed Continental Executive Director for AKDA last year, said the endorsement of the awards by the association will enhance his cultural diplomacy role, as he looks forward to hosting different people, from different cultures, to experience the culture of the Ndebele people of Nkayi.
The chief emphasised that the 2026 awards will focus on rural development, as he encouraged businesspeople and corporates to tap into the business opportunities available in rural areas.
Through such an initiative, he said the awards will fast-track development in marginalised communities, with both corporates and local communities benefitting from sustained investment in rural areas.
“This edition will be used to preach the gospel of development, as we are open to developing our community through various business and empowerment initiatives, working together with interested businesspeople and institutions.
“We encourage those interested in investing in rural development to be part of this festival, as we will host a seminar that will focus on discussions around how best to tap into the business opportunities available in Nkayi,” said Chief Dakamela.
