Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
THE tombstone of the late Chief Gampu Sithole I, one of the most senior chiefs under King Lobengula, was unveiled during a colourful ceremony in Gampu Village, Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, last Saturday.
Born in 1832, Chief Gampu died in 1916 and was buried in Gampu Village, where the special entombment took place on October 9, 1916.
Chief Gampu I, whose jurisdiction once spanned across both Bulilima and Tsholotsho districts, was a renowned figure in the Ndebele Kingdom and led various regiments for King Lobengula. The unveiling ceremony took place at his shrine, with the main gathering held at Gampu Primary School.
Among those who attended the event were Chief Bidi, and Chief Ngwenyama of Kezi, Chief Mafala of Zvishavane District, Chief Gampu of Tsholotsho District, Chief Manguba and Chief Mphini of Bulilima District, Chief Dakamela of Nkayi District, Chief Mathema of Gwanda District, Bulilima legislator Cde Dingumuzi Phuti, and Matabeleland South Senator Solani Moyo.
Chief Gampu IV, the present holder of the title, expressed gratitude to the multitudes who gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Chief Gampu I.
He acknowledged the historical significance of Gampu Village in Bulilima, despite the Gampu chieftainship now only covering areas in Tsholotsho.
“Some might be asking why Plumtree when Chief Gampu the IV is in Tsholotsho, it is because Chief Gampu I used to cover both Plumtree and Tsholotsho and his grave is in Bulilima,” he said.
“Although the area is no longer under Chief Gampu’s jurisdiction, it is still called Gampu Village in honour of Gampu I and some of his descendants live in this area. We applaud everyone who has come here to help us preserve our culture and honour the life of a great warrior in the history of Zimbabwe.”
Cde Phuti, who is also the Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, said there is a need for chiefs to unite for a good cause.
“As traditional leaders, you should unite and be able to go around and attend such functions in other jurisdictions and help in ensuring that our cultures are not eroded,” he said.
Chief Manguba echoed Cde Phuti’s sentiments, stressing the importance of preserving the cultures of their forefathers.
“It is important to preserve the cultures of our forefathers and this should be exemplary to other communities across the country and beyond,” he said.
Chief Dakamela called on traditional leaders to lead their communities with respect and dignity while Chief Mathema praised the people of Matabeleland for their unity in witnessing this historic event.
Chief Gampu I’s legacy dates back to his birth in eGabheni, along the Madikwe River near Zeerust in South Africa. His mother, Mtshakazana Khumalo, was King Mzilikazi’s sister, and his father, Maqhekeni Sithole, was a high-ranking chief who commanded the Amagogo regiment.
In 1872, Chief Gampu I was appointed by King Lobengula to lead the Gabha regiment, and in 1893, he led the Ndebele regiments against the British South Africa Company (BSAC) and the Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP) during the invasion of the Ndebele Kingdom. He also played a crucial role in the Pupu Battle of December 1893.
Chief Gampu I had 12 wives, five of whom were daughters of King Lobengula, including Princesses Gugwana, Mhlumela, Ngqobayi, Lopila, and Nokuzula. — @mthabisi_mthire
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