Chronicle Editor
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
A CARNIVAL atmosphere accompanied the 155th anniversary of King Mzilikazi’s death yesterday at Mhlahlandlela, located 22 kilometres outside Bulawayo along Old Gwanda Road with members of the royal Khumalo family highlighting that they would be lobbying the Government to have the day officially declared a national holiday.
As has become the norm during the day set aside for the celebration of King Mzilikazi, the founding Ndebele State monarch, festivities started in Bulawayo, as colourful Nguni regalia graced the City of Kings, with hundreds of people making their way to the Ndebele King’s old palace. Speaking during the celebrations, historian Mr Bruce Khumalo said they were lobbying for the Mzilikazi Day celebrations to be declared a national holiday.
“Amongst us, we have people that have been elected to represent the people in the most important legislative house in the country. We are saying to those that are a part of senate and parliament make September 5 to be a day that is remembered and respected in the country. That is what they should campaign for. We are going to knock on a lot of important doors to make sure that this day is recognised and given,” Mr Khumalo said.
Chief Mathema, who was also present at the gathering, said he was encouraged by the increasing number of people that were attending the annual celebrations.
“When this thing started, it was small, but now it is getting bigger by the year. I am so happy that we are seeing more and more people come to attend these celebrations every year. I’m sure that those that are not here, they need to be told that this is something that is growing and by next year, it will be even greater,” he said.
Historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi said there was more that needed to be done to make sure that the day reflected the importance of the person that it was dedicated to.
“We should do everything in our power to make sure that isiNdebele as a language is preserved and as Nguni people, we should also fight to make sure that the culture is maintained despite advancements made in modern society. We have a duty to the children of tomorrow to make sure that the culture and language that they inherit tomorrow is what Mzilikazi intended because he had a vision when he eventually settled here in Zimbabwe,” he said.
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