Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
NKAYI traditional leader Chief Mbusi Dakamela is set to lead a delegation of more than 20 African royals to Kenya for the fourth Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Papa Sande.
Chief Dakamela, who is the African Kingdoms Diaspora Alliance (AKDA) Continental Director, will lead the delegation to the cultural celebrations scheduled for October 29 to 31. The African Kingdoms Diaspora Alliance (AKDA) is a non-profit organisation that connects traditional African leaders, cultural communities, and the global diaspora to promote unity, heritage preservation, and Ubuntu values
This year’s event is expected to be attended by Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The celebrations will run under the themes, “Celebrating Culture, Our Heritage and Diversity” and “Light of Africa — Reconnecting, Restoring, Rebuilding.”
Papa Sande was installed as the third Emorimor of the Iteso Cultural union (ICU) on October 22, 2022. As the Emorimor, Papa Sande is recognised as the traditional and cultural leader of the Iteso people, whose communities are found in both Uganda and Kenya.
The fourth coronation anniversary is being held in Kenya, taking the celebrations across the Uganda-Kenya border, highlighting the shared cultural identity of the Iteso people in the two countries.
Among the African royals expected to be part of the delegation are Her Majesty Queen Gladys Mbuyah of Cameroon, Prince Kwazikwenkosi KaZwelithini Zulu and Prince Thulani Zulu of the Zulu Royal House, Paramount Chief of the Khoi San Dr Basil Leavement, Nkosi Mchunu of the AmaMchunu Traditional Council, Nkosi Ndlunkulu Mncube of the Mncube Traditional Authority and Nkosi Mgendela Gama of Tanzania.
Chief Dakamela said the visit was aimed at strengthening cultural exchange, social cohesion and investment partnerships across the continent.
“I am humbled to be leading more than 20 African royals to support another royal in East Africa during the celebration of the Fourth Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Papa Sande.
“This trip speaks to the vision of interconnectedness and interdependence among African countries, African royalties and African people. We may be separated by borders and other minor differences, but what is important is that we are Africans and share a vision of unity and purpose,” he said.
Chief Dakamela said it was important for African traditional leaders to regularly come together to share knowledge and strengthen relations.
He said the unity demonstrated by African royals also sends a message to the communities they lead on the importance of unity, love and caring for one another.
“It’s important for us as Africans to come together from time to time because when you look at the history of our people, you realise that some communities in Southern Africa trace their origins to East Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
“By coming together, we are retracing our steps and reminding ourselves that, ultimately, we are one and we are related in some way. I believe history is rewriting itself. This is a cultural renaissance where communities and African royalties are once again uniting with their people, strengthening the bonds that connect us as Africans,” he said.
Chief Dakamela also highlighted the importance of Ubuntu, describing it as an integral part of African culture and humanity.
“As leaders, we must be torchbearers of love, unity and purpose. We have a responsibility to show our communities that unity is better than division, and that there is power in Ubuntu and that there is strength in sharing one vision.
“I am looking forward to this cultural gathering because I know it has the power to reunite our African communities, which grew apart over the years. Hence, we, the leaders, need to be the bridge that reconnects and unites our people,” he said.
