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The rock, which fell on 3 June, has generated a lot of interest and sparked different theories from traditional leaders and ordinary citizens who believe it had a message to convey to people.
Spirit mediums from Njelele, Dula and Zhilo shrines in Matobo district and Manyangwa Shrine in Bulilima visited the site last week following another visit by spirit mediums and all have recommended that rituals be conducted before the rock is moved.
Speaking in an interview, Chief Masuku, in whose jurisdiction Matopos National Park falls, said chiefs from the province would meet at Esikhoveni Training Centre in Esigodini on Monday.
He said they would be joined by traditionalists and spirit mediums, known as ihosana in SiNdebele, from the province.
A traditionalist from Gokwe is also reportedly expected to attend the meeting.
“We will be meeting on Monday 25 June in Esigodini. The issue was supposed to be tabled at the Chiefs’ Council meeting last week but our representatives felt that it should first be discussed by chiefs from our region,” said Chief Masuku.
“We have contacted Chief Mtshane Khumalo about the meeting and all other chiefs like the provincial chiefs’ council chairperson, Chief Malaba, Chief Mathema from Gwanda and also Chief Wasi from Mangwe will be there and we will discuss the issue of the rock as it was mentioned that it should not be removed until a meeting is held and rituals conducted.”
Contacted for comment, Chief Mtshane of Bubi District, confirmed the meeting but said he had suggested that chiefs from Matabeleland South should convene on their own.
“They phoned me about the meeting but I told them that they should first meet as a province and should approach us if they encounter problems. I understand a certain traditionalist called Sibanda from Gokwe has indicated he would be coming for the meeting as he has something to say about the issue although we are not yet sure what it is,” said Chief Mtshane.
Chief Mtshane, who is the deputy president of the Chiefs’ Council said the issue of the rock was becoming difficult to handle because of the different theories emanating from people.
“This is a bit difficult because people are coming up with different theories to it and we have to listen to everyone. So we would not want to tell them what to do but would only assist when there is a need,” he said.
Renowned social commentator Mr Pathisa Nyathi recently said the action that would be taken about the rock would depend on how its fall would be interpreted.
The rock rolled down the hill for about 100 metres before landing on Circular Drive, one of the roads in the Matopos National Park.
It is estimated to weigh between two and three tonnes. As it fell on the road, the rock created a trench across Circular Road and several other cracks on the surface.
The hill from where the rock fell is about a killometre south-east of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave along Circular Drive from Hazel Side towards Maleme Rest Camp.
Online Reporter