Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
THE stage is set!
Thousands of people are expected to descend on eMhlahlandlela in Matobo tomorrow (September 5) as the annual King Mzilikazi Commemorations roar into life, with top South African entertainers joining the celebrations.
Organisers, the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), said everything is in place for the big event, which is expected to attract traditional leaders, Government officials, tourists, cultural enthusiasts and people from across Zimbabwe and beyond.
South African Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose is expected to be among the major attractions, alongside popular actors Dawn Thandeka King and Mpilo Mbatha, who star in the Mzansi Magic epic drama series Shaka iLembe.
Mbatha plays Mzilikazi in the series, while King plays Mkabayi.
Delegations from other African countries and royal houses are also expected to arrive in Bulawayo today ahead of tomorrow’s celebrations.
The festivities will kick off with a colourful cultural parade from Matshobana Township at 7am.
Amatshitshi, amaguqa, abafana and Amabutho will lead the procession as traditionally dressed participants make their way through some of Bulawayo’s iconic landmarks, including Barbourfields
Stadium, home of Highlanders Football Club, the Inxwala Grounds and the statue of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
The parade will end at the Large City Hall car park, from where participants will be transported to eMhlahlandlela for the main event.
Organisers have urged people attending to come dressed in traditional attire representing their respective cultures, as the dress code is part of efforts to showcase the rich diversity of communities that make up the Ndebele nation.
Meanwhile, hundreds of schoolchildren from Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo are taking part in a youth procession today (September 4) ahead of the main celebrations.
The programme focuses on educating young people about King Mzilikazi, Ndebele history, culture and heritage.
MMCA media and publicity official Bigboy George Sibanda said the youth programme had become a permanent feature after last year’s successful launch.
“Last year we tasted the waters and decided to introduce the schools’ festivities, a day before the main event, which was dedicated to teaching the history of King Mzilikazi and that of the Ndebele nation. The turnout was massive, more than we expected,” he said.
Sibanda said pupils will be exposed to cultures that contributed to the Ndebele nation, including Venda, Sotho, Kalanga and Nambya traditions.
They will also be learning about traditional tools, food and other cultural practices.
MMCA organising committee member Crescentia Ngwenya said the programme will also address challenges faced by young girls, including peer pressure and early sexual activity.
“We want to take these children off the streets, especially girls,” she said, adding that the programme seeks to promote self-respect, responsible behaviour and the preservation of cultural values.
Ngwenya said young people would also be educated about the health risks associated with early sexual activity, including sexually transmitted infections and HIV/Aids.
With the youth programme now underway, attention turns to tomorrow’s main spectacle at eMhlahlandlela.
And with music, celebrities, traditional regalia and history all on the menu, the Mzilikazi celebrations promise to be one big cultural fiesta.
