Langalakhe Mabena
PREPARATIONS for the 2026 Gadade Battle Commemorations are gathering momentum, with organisers calling on cultural enthusiasts, the business community and Zimbabweans in the diaspora to support the annual event honouring Ndebele warriors who died defending their kingdom against colonial conquest.
The commemorations will be held on November 7 at the Gadade Memorial Site in Ntabazinduna, Mbembesi, bringing together people to reflect on a defining moment in the history of the Ndebele people.
Organised by Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, the event seeks to preserve the memory of the warriors who confronted Cecil John Rhodes’ British South Africa Company (BSAC) forces during the First Matabele War in 1893.
The Battle of Gadade, fought on November 1 that year, saw warriors from the Imbizo, Ameva, iSiziba, iHlathi, iNsukamini and Ingubo regiments engage the advancing colonial forces.
Despite their courage, the Ndebele fighters were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the invading forces, including Maxim machine guns.
Beyond commemorating those who fell in battle, the annual gathering serves as a reminder of the Ndebele people’s struggle to defend their sovereignty, land, cultural identity and way of life.
For many, Gadade is more than a historical battlefield. It is a place of remembrance where successive generations can reconnect with their heritage, learn about the sacrifices of their forebears and reflect on the consequences of colonial conquest.
The defeat at Gadade marked a turning point in the war, paving the way for the occupation of Bulawayo by colonial forces days later. The collapse of the Ndebele Kingdom’s central authority was followed by profound changes to the political, economic and social lives of its people.
Remembering the battle therefore provides an opportunity to acknowledge the courage of the fallen warriors while encouraging younger generations to understand the history that shaped their communities.
Speaking ahead of the commemorations, Siphatho Ncube, representing Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, said preparations were progressing well, with organisers working to ensure that this year’s programme reflects the historical and cultural significance of the occasion.
“The Gadade commemorations are an important part of our collective responsibility to preserve the history of the Ndebele people. We are gathering to honour the warriors who stood firm in defence of their land, their king and their nation. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten, and their story deserves to be passed on to future generations.
“We want young people to understand that knowing our history is essential to appreciating who we are today. Gadade reminds us of the courage, resilience and determination of those who came before us. Through these commemorations, we hope to strengthen cultural pride, promote unity and keep our heritage alive,” he said.
Ncube said they have broadened this year’s programme to include traditional music and poetry performances, giving cultural practitioners an opportunity to showcase their talents while contributing to the preservation of Ndebele heritage.
Ncube appealed to local businesses and Zimbabweans living abroad to contribute towards the logistical requirements of the commemorations, particularly the provision of food for attendees and transport between Bulawayo and the memorial site.
He said community support would help ensure that people who wish to attend the gathering are not prevented from doing so by financial constraints.
“We are appealing to the business community, well-wishers and Zimbabweans in the diaspora to stand with us in making these commemorations a success. Contributions, whether financial or in kind, will help us meet essential costs, particularly feeding those who will gather at Gadade to honour our fallen warriors.
“We also need assistance with transport to ferry people from Bulawayo to the memorial site and back. We want as many people as possible to participate, especially those who may struggle to meet the travel costs. This is a collective responsibility, and every contribution will make a meaningful difference,” he said.
