Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, South African author Nthebe Molope embarked on a daring journey to trace the life and legacy of the late Ndebele monarch, King Mzilikazi.
His quest took him across eight countries in search of the history of one of Southern Africa’s greatest military leaders.
Five years of meticulous research later, spanning South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania and finally Zimbabwe, Molope has unveiled his findings in a compelling new book titled King Mzilikazi Ka Matshobane: The Brave Warrior Who Defied Shaka, Defended the Land and Confronted Colonial Forces.
The book provides an in-depth exploration of King Mzilikazi’s life, including his military ties with Zulu King Shaka, his northward migration and the founding of the Ndebele nation. It also touches on the reign of his son, King Lobengula, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the royal lineage and nation-building legacy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the King Mzilikazi commemorations at his grave site in Mhlahlandlela, Molope said the book that was launched on Thursday in Bulawayo was driven by a passion to correct distorted narratives about the monarch.
“I did all this to make sure we don’t bury our history. We must celebrate our heroes and not let others write this history for us. For too long, outsiders have shaped the story of our heroes, often portraying them unfairly.
“If we don’t defend our history, future generations will only see despots and killers, rather than visionary leaders,” he said.
Molope praised King Mzilikazi as a nation-builder par excellence.
“There’s no leader in Southern Africa with the military and unifying skills that matched King Mzilikazi. If I compare him with Shaka or Soshangani, Mzilikazi stands out as charismatic, strategically gifted and philosophically astute. He knew how to negotiate and use force only when necessary.”
Challenging long-held misconceptions, Molope emphasised that most of the people who joined Mzilikazi did so willingly.
“Contrary to claims that he conscripted people, the ethnic groups that joined him retained their languages, cultural practices and dress codes.
“Today, in Zimbabwe, you still find people speaking Zulu, Sotho, Kalanga and other languages. He respected diversity, which strengthened his rule.”
Molope further highlighted Mzilikazi’s inclusivity.
“When he established his kingdom in Zimbabwe, he incorporated the Shona and Kalanga people, even promoting their rain-making practices at Njelele in Matobo. This distinguished his style of governance and explains why his monarchy endured for so long.”
Spirituality also played a central role in Mzilikazi’s leadership and in Molope’s research.
“There’s a strong spiritual dimension in the book. Ancient kings wielded considerable spiritual power. While visiting research sites, I even worked with a spiritual guide (isangoma) to seek permission and open the routes.”
Since its release, the book has seen impressive sales, with approximately 3 000 physical copies sold. Online platforms have also shown overwhelming support, demonstrating the enduring appetite for authentic African history.
Through King Mzilikazi Ka Matshobane, Molope not only chronicles the life of a legendary monarch but also restores the dignity of a hero whose story has long deserved to be told by his own people.
Bongani Ndlovu