Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
The spirit of a nation rooted in courage, resilience and Ubuntu came alive at Ntabazinduna on Saturday as hundreds of people from different generations and walks of life converged at the Battle of Gadade monuments to honour the Ndebele warriors who fell defending their kingdom against colonial forces in 1893.
It was more than a cultural funfair. It was a powerful homecoming to history, an opportunity for a people to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their identity and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who stood firm in defence of their nation.
From Amatshitshi and Amaguqa to izimbongi,amabutho, traditional leaders and members of the royal family, the gathering brought together different generations in a colourful display of Ndebele culture, tradition and pride.
Proceedings were led by Umntwana (Prince) Leo Zulukandaba Khumalo, a prominent royal elder and cultural leader within the Ndebele Royal Family. Khumalo, a grandson of King Mzilikazi whose lineage traces through Prince Mthimbili and Prince Nyanda, was accompanied by Umntwana (Prince) Ndumiso Khumalo.
Among the traditional leaders in attendance were Chief Mandla Ndiweni, Regent Chief of Ntabazinduna, Chief Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi and Chief Fuyana, alongside other notable traditional leaders. The intended Chief Maphungo, Pilate Mabhena, was also present.
Organised by Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, the annual Battle of Gadade commemorations pay tribute to the Ndebele warriors who sacrificed their lives defending their kingdom against colonial conquest during the First Matabele War of 1893.
The Battle of Gadade, fought on November 1, 1893, saw warriors from the Imbizo, Ameva, iSiziba, iHlathi, iNsukamini and Ingubo regiments confront the advancing forces of Cecil John Rhodes’ British South Africa Company (BSAC).
Armed with determination and an unwavering resolve to defend their homeland, the Ndebele warriors faced a formidable colonial force whose military advantage included the devastating Maxim machine guns.
Despite their courage and resistance, the warriors were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the colonial forces. The defeat marked a significant turning point in the war, paving the way for the occupation of Bulawayo by colonial troops days later and the eventual dismantling of the Ndebele Kingdom’s central authority.
But while the battle may have been lost, the courage and sacrifice of those who fought remain deeply etched in the nation’s history.
Beyond remembering the fallen, the annual commemorations seek to rekindle conversations around sovereignty, land, cultural identity and the responsibility of successive generations to safeguard their heritage.
Before the main ceremony, attendees embarked on a historical journey through the Gadade battlefield, where they were taken through key sites associated with the 1893 conflict.
The educational tour began at the main stone, situated close to the Bulawayo-Harare highway, where participants received historical accounts of the battle and the events surrounding it.
The group was subsequently taken to the deeper BSAC mass graves, where fallen colonial soldiers were laid to rest. Among those buried at the site are Trooper Frederick Thompson, Trooper Carey, Trooper Siebert and Trooper Calcraft, among others.
The final stop was the main burial site of the Ndebele warriors, providing attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by the men who fought to protect their kingdom.
The historical lessons offered a sobering reminder that Gadade is not merely a battlefield, but a site of immense historical and cultural significance whose preservation should be a collective responsibility.
Speaking during the main ceremony, Chief Ndiweni called for the Battle of Gadade monuments to receive national recognition, arguing that the warriors who perished there died defending a nation and its people.
He challenged the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, together with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, to take a leading role in preserving and protecting the historic site.
“We are gathered here today to pay respect and remember our fallen soldiers who died while defending the nation. Through the leadership of Chief Mtshana Khumalo, these soldiers dedicated their lives to protecting King Lobengula and the people.
“This place has to be treated with respect, and it is my wish that the relevant offices responsible for preserving such cultural heritage come forward and protect this monument. This is part of our history and we must not turn a blind eye to it,” said Chief Ndiweni.
Chief Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi, who was the guest of honour, shifted the spotlight to Ubuntu, describing it as the moral foundation upon which a strong and united nation should be built.
He challenged attendees to practise Ubuntu not only during cultural gatherings but also in their everyday lives, from their homes and workplaces to their wider communities.
“Ubuntu is the foundation of life and without it we are nothing. In all the things we do, from our homes, how we treat our families, how we conduct ourselves in workplaces and how we treat each other in our communities, all must tick the box of Ubuntu.
“Without Ubuntu we are nothing. So, I encourage all of us here today to ask ourselves: if these fallen warriors were to look at us, would they be happy with the way we conduct ourselves? What they did in fighting this war was driven by Ubuntu. If we have lost it, will they remain ancestors who continue to bless us?” said Chief Dakamela.
The commemorations also received support from Highlanders Football Club, whose representatives drew parallels between the bravery of the Ndebele warriors and the fighting spirit associated with the Bulawayo football giants.
Highlanders FC board member Elkanah Dube said the club’s identity was deeply connected to the history and heritage of the Ndebele people, making its participation in the commemorations particularly significant as Bosso celebrates its centenary.
Dube said the club had deliberately incorporated the Battle of Gadade commemorations into its 100-year celebrations as a way of honouring the historical roots that continue to shape its identity.
“As Highlanders, we are super proud to be part of this year’s Battle of Gadade commemorations. We are also celebrating 100 years of existence and the foundation of this team was laid by descendants of King Lobengula.
“This team identifies with the history of Gadade, and it is our mandate to make sure that we take part in such events that define who we are,” said Dube.
Meanwhile, Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi communications liaison officer Greater Sibanda said this year’s commemorations deliberately placed young people at the forefront of efforts to keep the history of Gadade alive.
He said the organisers were determined to ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen warriors were not reduced to stories of the past, but remained an important part of the identity and consciousness of younger generations.
“This year, we placed particular emphasis on youth participation, historical awareness and the preservation of the Gadade site. We did this because we want younger generations to understand the courage and sacrifices of those who defended isizwe, as well as their own responsibility to preserve that heritage.
“I am happy that people came in their numbers, especially the younger ones, who were taught about the history of this war and the events surrounding it. As we turn our focus to next year’s edition, it is our wish that we even double the number of people who attend,” he said.
As the gathering drew to a close, one message stood above the cultural performances, historical lessons and calls for heritage preservation: a nation that forgets the sacrifices of its forebears’ risks losing sight of its identity.
At Gadade, the fallen warriors were remembered not simply as men who died in battle, but as defenders of a kingdom whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
Their weapons may have fallen silent in 1893, but their story remains alive in the songs, traditions, history and collective memory of the Ndebele people.
