King Mzilikazi commemorations put youths in the spotlight

Crescentia Ngwenya

Langalakhe Mabena

This year’s King Mzilikazi Day Commemorations put young people firmly in the spotlight, with organisers deliberately carving out a special programme aimed at reconnecting the youth with their culture, history and identity.

The two-day cultural extravaganza, held on 4 and 5 September at eMhlahlandlela, one of King Mzilikazi’s homesteads (isigodlo seNkosi), attracted thousands of people from across the region who gathered to celebrate the legendary king’s history and legacy.

Organised by the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), the first day was dedicated entirely to youths, with learners from schools across Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo taken through the history of King Mzilikazi and the Ndebele nation.

The youngsters were also taught about cultural values, dignity and responsible conduct as young men and women.

MMCA media and publicity official Bigboy George Sibanda said the youth programme was introduced last year and its overwhelming response convinced organisers to make it a permanent feature of the annual commemorations.

“Last year, we tested the waters and decided to introduce the schools’ programme a day before the main event. The programme was dedicated to teaching learners about the history of King Mzilikazi and that of the Ndebele nation.

“The turnout was massive, far more than we had expected. With that in mind, we decided to stage it again this year and officially make it part of our programme for the coming editions,” said Sibanda.

This year, the programme highlighted the different cultures that contributed to the formation of the Ndebele nation.

Sibanda said schools from communities including Venda, Sotho, Kalanga and Nambya were accommodated, highlighting the diverse cultural roots that make up the Ndebele identity.

He said the programme was also designed to complement the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) 2024-2030, which places local culture, indigenous languages and national history at the centre of learning in primary and secondary schools.

MMCA organising committee member Crescentia Ngwenya said the programme also tackled challenges confronting young girls, including peer pressure, early sexual activity and the erosion of cultural values.

She said the organisers wanted to create a safe platform where girls could learn about self-respect, personal conduct and the importance of preserving their virginity (ubuntombi/ubutshitshi), while openly discussing issues affecting them.

“When creating this programme, we wanted to take these children off the streets, especially girls. Due to peer pressure and other forces, young girls end up losing their virginity in an undignified manner.

“Some even get into worse situations as they fall pregnant at a very young age. It becomes difficult for them to raise these babies because, in most cases, the responsible fathers run away from the situation, leaving the girl child alone. These are some of the topics we touched on,” said Ngwenya.

Adding star power to the youth programme was South African actress Thandeka Dawn King, who played Mkabayi in the hit drama series Shaka iLembe.

King used her appearance to speak directly to young girls, drawing from her own experience as a former member of Amatshitshi.

“I personally was part of Amatshitshi and I rose through these ranks until I came of age. I encourage all of you to abstain from activities that will destroy your future,” she said.

Meanwhile, Amatshitshi lamaGuwa played a major role in the commemorations, leading a colourful cultural parade filled with song, dance and praise poetry.

The parade started in Matshobana suburb before passing through several Bulawayo suburbs, including Nguboyenja, Mzilikazi and Makokoba, before winding its way into the city centre.

Leader (Induna) yamaGuwa, Olwethu “Qanda Lentshe” Mvelase, urged more young boys to join the regiment, saying it was an important way of keeping them connected to their roots.