Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza/Langalakhe Mabena/Bruce Ndlovu Sunday News Reporters
A SEA of people including Government officials, Bulawayo City Council leadership, amabutho, amaguqa and amatshitshi gathered at Mhlahlandlela, a usually a quiet historical site on the outskirts of Bulawayo to honour the founding father of the Ndebele nation, King Mzilikazi.
The royal palace ground burst into life yesterday and transformed it into a colourful hive of activity, a place where music, dance and memory intertwined to celebrate King Mzilikazi’s legacy.
The crowd was a mixture of the elderly clad in traditional attire, children and cultural groups in vibrant regalia, to curious visitors Europe that turned South Africa, Botswana and Namibia that turned Mhlahlandlela into a melting pot of unity and heritage.
King Mzilikazi, born near Mkuze in Zululand in 1790, is remembered for his courage and leadership in forging the Ndebele nation after breaking away from King Shaka in 1823. His final resting place lies at Entumbane in Matobo, 20 kilometres from Bulawayo, where he was buried following his death on 9 September 1868.
Yesterday marked 158 years since his passing, a story not only of remembrance but also of identity and belonging for generations across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Minister of Matabeleland South Province for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Nguluvhe said yesterday was a gathering that saw the remembrance of a King who forged a nation with one language, one pride and one culture.
“Your presence is a reminder that we are gathered on sacred ground. We gather not to just remember a king but a builder. King Mzilikazi kaMatshobane was not just a warrior, he was a nation builder, a unifier and a custodian of identity,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said culture was essential to the way the country conducted its affairs.
“Culture is the way we resolve conflict. It is the way we farm; it is the way we treat our elderly; it is how we lead and how we govern,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
For many, the commemorations were personal.
Mr Dumisani Mthembo Dube who is the chairman of the Umkhosi WeNxwala Ceremony in Zambia, under the kingship of Mpezeni said, it was a great honour to witness cultural manifestation at the King Mzilikazi commemorations.
“It is a great thing for the nation to unite to revive African culture. It’s a great honour that I was invited to be part of this event. Coming from Zambia to Bulawayo, to celebrate the King Mzilikazi Commemorations, gave me purpose because I am here to learn the history of our forefathers and further learning the way of life for the Ndebele nation.
“This was a great expedition and what I learnt here, I will share it with other Nguni people in Zambia,” said Mr Dube.
Chief Dakamela of Nkayi, who was given the ceremony’s closing slot said it is a good thing for the nation to unite, especially, to revive African culture.
“What I see here is an embracement of who we are and I am proud that people came in their numbers to celebrate this day. This was King Mzilikazi’s dream when he created the Ndebele nations. I am sure he is happy wherever he is, because we united today to preserve his dream and legacy.
“This event was a success because of the people. Amabutho or chiefs, were not going to pull all this to such a success. It is the people who left everything behind, to come together and unite for this event,” said Chief Dakamela.
Mr Sam Ntumbane Mabhena, said the commemorations highlighted Mzilikazi’s enduring role as a unifier.
“What I saw was a clear sign of how incredible King Mzilikazi was. Different ethnic groups from the Venda, Sotho, Shangani, Nguni, Kalanga, Tswana, Shona and Ndebele were all gathered to celebrate his legacy, something that proves how unifying Mzilikazi was,” he said.
“This event attracted children, youth as well as older people, a great thing that unifies our nation. Such events have to be embraced because they reconnect with our roots.”
Yesterday at Mhlahlandlela, history was not confined to distant memory but was lived, breathed and danced as people from all walks of life celebrated King Mzilikazi’s legacy of unity, strength and shared pride, crossing boundaries of race, tribe and creed.
