Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday Life Reporter
NKAYI traditional leader Chief Mbusi Dakamela has strengthened his standing as a champion of African cultural unity after leading a delegation of more than 20 royals from across the continent to Kenya for the fourth coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng III.
The high-profile cultural gathering, held from October 29 to 31, brought together traditional leaders, cultural custodians and creatives under the themes “Celebrating Culture, Our Heritage and Diversity” and “Light of Africa — Reconnecting, Restoring, Rebuilding”.
Chief Dakamela, who serves as the African Kingdoms Diaspora Alliance (AKDA) Continental Director, led the delegation in a celebration that highlighted the enduring role of traditional institutions in safeguarding African identity while positioning culture as a driver of unity and socio-economic development.
The event received the endorsement of Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, underscoring the significance of cross-border cultural cooperation.
Among the dignitaries in the delegation were Cameroon’s Queen Gladys Mbuyah, Prince Kwazikwenkosi kaZwelithini 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 Tanzania’s Nkosi Mgendela Gama.
Zimbabwe also had a notable presence, with businessman Brilliant Ncube of Kingdom Blue and veteran broadcaster Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda among those who attended.
The delegation was further enriched by the presence of cultural creatives, including iNyosi uSiwela, Obert Dube, Thaluso Da Poet and members of iButho leBabambeni, whose participation added an artistic dimension to the heritage celebrations.
For Chief Dakamela, the gathering was more than a royal occasion. It was an opportunity to reinforce the need for African kingdoms to work together in preserving the continent’s cultural wealth and ensuring that traditional leadership remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.
“Four years of traditional leadership since HRH Papa Sande’s coronation represent more than the passage of time. They mark his steady cultural stewardship, promotion of unity, preservation of
African heritage and legacy, and, above all, his role in spearheading economic transformation.
“As cultural leaders, we came here despite our different histories, languages and traditions, united by a shared responsibility and sacred duty to preserve the soul of Africa, unite our people and pass our heritage to generations yet unborn,” he said.
Chief Dakamela said AKDA viewed African kingdoms as important custodians of the continent’s history, identity and heritage, adding that their responsibility extended beyond ceremonial duties to documenting history and keeping cultural knowledge alive for future generations.
However, he noted that cultural preservation had become increasingly important as globalisation and technological advancements continued to reshape societies.
Chief Dakamela said while artificial intelligence and robotics presented opportunities for young Africans, they also raised questions about cultural identity, indigenous knowledge and the preservation of traditional values.
He challenged African leaders to create platforms that allow young people to actively participate in safeguarding their heritage while embracing innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental awareness and education.
“As cultural leaders, one of our responsibilities is to ensure that our young people appreciate their cultural heritage and its potential role in the socio-economic transformation we so much desire,” he said.
He added that traditional institutions could play a bigger role in connecting communities, facilitating economic cooperation, unlocking business opportunities and promoting peace building.
“AKDA strongly believes that traditional institutions can be important platforms, not just for reconnecting African communities, but also for amplifying economic cooperation, embracing
progressive technologies, unlocking business opportunities and supporting peacebuilding, mediation and conflict resolution,” he said.
Chief Dakamela also highlighted the importance of engaging the African diaspora, arguing that people of African ancestry living across the world needed meaningful opportunities to reconnect with their historical roots.
“Africa’s strength lies in its diversity, and our collective progress depends on our ability to build bridges across that diversity. The African diaspora remains an important part of that effort and conversation.
“Those of African ancestry across the globe seek meaningful connections with their historical roots, and such initiatives as we witness here play a pivotal role in creating that link,” he said.
Papa Sande was installed as the third Emorimor of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) on October 22, 2022. He is recognised as the traditional and cultural leader of the Iteso people, whose communities are spread across Uganda and Kenya.
Taking the fourth anniversary celebrations across the Uganda-Kenya border was a symbolic reminder of the shared heritage of the Iteso people, reinforcing the message that African culture transcends geographical boundaries.
For Chief Dakamela and the AKDA delegation, the Kenyan gathering was therefore not simply a celebration of a coronation milestone, but a call for African kingdoms to reclaim their place in shaping the continent’s cultural, social and economic future.
