Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
YOUNG people are being urged to take an active role in preserving the history and cultural heritage of the Ndebele nation, as organisers of this year’s Gadade Battle Commemorations place youth participation at the centre of the annual event.
The commemorations, organised by Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, will be held on November 7 at the Gadade Memorial Site in Ntabazinduna, Mbembesi, with this year’s programme placing particular emphasis on historical awareness, intergenerational learning and the preservation of the historic site.
Organisers said the event presents an opportunity for young people to connect with their history, understand the sacrifices made by their forebears and appreciate their role in safeguarding the cultural heritage of future generations.
The annual gathering honours Ndebele warriors who died defending their kingdom against colonial conquest during the First Matabele War of 1893.
The Battle of Gadade, fought on November 1 that year, saw warriors from the Imbizo, Ameva, iSiziba, iHlathi, iNsukamini and Ingubo regiments confront the advancing forces of Cecil John
Rhodes’ British South Africa Company (BSAC).
Despite their courage and resistance, the Ndebele fighters were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the colonial forces, which included Maxim machine guns.
The defeat marked a turning point in the war, paving the way for the occupation of Bulawayo by colonial forces days later and the eventual collapse of the Ndebele Kingdom’s central authority.
Beyond remembering those who fell in battle, the commemorations seek to remind successive generations of the struggle to defend the nation’s sovereignty, land, cultural identity and way of life.
Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi communications liaison officer Greater Sibanda said this year’s event was deliberately placing young people at the forefront of efforts to keep the history of Gadade alive.
“This year, we are placing particular emphasis on youth participation, historical awareness and the preservation of the Gadade site. We want younger generations to understand the courage and sacrifices of those who defended isizwe, as well as their own responsibility to preserve that heritage,” he said.
Sibanda said they want to broaden historical understanding by placing Gadade within the wider context of the 18
93 resistance, while encouraging practical conversations around protecting the memorial site.
“We also intend to place Gadade within the broader story of the 1893 resistance, recognising the engagements that preceded it. Alongside remembrance, we want to encourage practical discussion about protecting the graves and developing the site as a place of historical learning and heritage tourism,” he said.
He said the programme would provide an opportunity for people of different generations to engage with the history of the battle through visits to significant memorial points and contributions from traditional leaders and community representatives.
“People should expect a dignified gathering centred on remembrance, historical reflection and community unity. The planned programme includes visits to the road memorial, the graves and the mass grave, followed by the main gathering, with contributions from traditional leadership and community representatives.
“There will also be opportunities for intergenerational learning and for traders to showcase their products, with stalls available at US$20 each.
“Above all, we want people to leave with a deeper understanding of why Gadade matters and a shared commitment to preserving this history,” said Sibanda.
Meanwhile, preparations for the November 7 commemorations are gathering momentum, with organisers mobilising traditional leaders, communities, schools, young people and the wider public.
Sibanda said the organisation was also appealing to cultural enthusiasts, the business community, descendants of the fallen warriors and Zimbabweans in the diaspora to support the event and ensure the continued preservation of the Gadade heritage site.
He called on members of the public to attend the commemorations and pay tribute to the warriors who lost their lives defending their kingdom.
