King Mzilikazi Day sparks traditional wear frenzy

Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

TRADITIONAL attire vendors stationed at the Bulawayo Large City Hall market are hopeful for a surge in sales as the King Mzilikazi Day commemorations draw near. They anticipate increased interest from customers seeking Imvunulo (traditional regalia) for the cultural celebrations scheduled for September 5 and 6 at King Mzilikazi’s grave, located in a cave at Entumbane in the Matobo Hills.

The annual ceremony, which pays tribute to King Mzilikazi kaMashobane, founder of the Ndebele nation, is expected to attract delegates from across Southern Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), Lesotho and the Ngoni people of Chief Mpezeni (Malawi). The event encourages Ndebeles and other cultural groups to wear traditional attire in celebration of their heritage.

In an interview, one of the vendors, Crispen Matsika, who specialises in traditional beadwork, said the King Mzilikazi commemorations have always provided a significant boost to their business.

“Every year, as we approach the King Mzilikazi celebrations, we receive overwhelming support from the community. This past August, we sold a lot of items to people attending various cultural gatherings such as Soke Africa and the I Wear My Culture Fashion Gala, which was hosted in Bulawayo.

“Although some people want to support us, economic challenges make it difficult. Still, we know many buyers wait until the last minute, so we expect strong sales as the main ceremony approaches,” said Matsika.

Another vendor, Quiet Mpofu, emphasised the importance of traditional attire as a symbol of cultural identity.

“Dressing up for such cultural gatherings helps young children understand who they are and where they come from. These outfits carry a sense of dignity and pride,” said Mpofu.

“In our stall, we stock Imvunulo etshiyeneyo (varied traditional outfits) because the Ndebele state was inclusive of different ethnicities. We have attire for Ndebele, Zulu, Kalanga, Tswana, Shona and Sotho communities.”

Mpofu, a staunch cultural advocate, added that the commemorations should go beyond fashion and include education on traditional delicacies and dishes that were once staples of the Ndebele diet.

“Children should learn about the healthy traditional foods of Mzilikazi’s era, like umfushwa, inyama, ingqoloyi, and wild fruits such as umqokolo, umgwadi and umawa. These foods were not only nutritious; they built strong bodies.

“Since the first day of the event focuses on grooming children, this is the perfect opportunity to teach them about our cuisine and its benefits,” he said.

Veteran trader Gogo MaNdlovu, who has been selling African attire and accessories at the City Hall market since 1990, praised schools for their role in promoting cultural pride among children.

“It’s never too late to instil traditional values in our children. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is doing well through heritage-based subjects and cultural days at schools. Events like Africa Day and Heritage Day, where children wear traditional attire, have boosted our sales tremendously.

“Even this week, I’ve sold clothing for both children and adults preparing for the King Mzilikazi commemoration.

Teachers deserve recognition as custodians of our history and heritage because they encourage children to embrace their culture,” she said.

As the countdown to King Mzilikazi Day begins, cultural vendors remain hopeful that this year’s commemorations will not only strengthen cultural pride but also provide much-needed economic relief through increased sales of traditional regalia.