Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE King Mzilikazi Day Commemorations held last weekend highlighted the growing importance of culture and heritage not only as symbols of identity and unity, but also as drivers of tourism, investment, business activity and economic development.
Thousands of people from across Zimbabwe and beyond gathered at eMhlahlandlela on Saturday to honour King Mzilikazi, the founding monarch of the Ndebele nation, 158 years after his death.
The historic site on the outskirts of Bulawayo came alive with song, dance and traditional performances as Government officials, Bulawayo City Council leaders and members of the public celebrated the king’s enduring legacy.
Visitors from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, the United States of America and China also attended the commemorations, giving the event a distinctly international flavour.
The celebrations began at 7AM with a colourful cultural parade from Matshobana Township, led by Amatshitshi, Amaguqa, Abafana and Amabutho dressed in traditional regalia. The procession passed through Matshobana, Nguboyenja, Mzilikazi and Makokoba before proceeding to the city centre, where participants paused at the statue of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
Participants later assembled at the Large City Hall car park before being transported to eMhlahlandlela for the main ceremony. There, the historic site was transformed into a vibrant cultural arena, with traditional music, dance and performances bringing together generations, from elderly men and women clad in traditional attire to young people proudly showcasing their heritage.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe, the guest of honour, expressed delight at witnessing such a large gathering in honour of a king who forged a nation united by language, pride and culture.
Beyond commemorating the life and legacy of King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation, the event demonstrated how cultural and heritage celebrations can serve broader social, economic and developmental goals.
At a time when national unity and social cohesion remain central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda, a message consistently emphasised by President Mnangagwa, such cultural platforms help bring people together around a shared history while recognising the country’s diverse identities. In doing so, they strengthen the sense of belonging and create opportunities for economic growth.
King Mzilikazi’s legacy as a nation-builder and unifier continues to provide a strong foundation for promoting tolerance, coexistence and national cohesion. It is therefore not surprising that the commemorations attracted Government officials, traditional leaders, Bulawayo civic leaders, cultural enthusiasts, tourists, Zimbabweans in the diaspora, delegations from other African countries and representatives of royal houses.
The event also showcased the wider economic value of heritage. Large cultural gatherings stimulate demand for transport, accommodation, food, retail, entertainment and other services, creating economic opportunities for local communities while enhancing Bulawayo and Matabeleland’s profile as key tourism and heritage destinations.
This year’s commemorations attracted several high-profile international guests, including potential investors and service providers, adding an important development dimension to the event. South
African Maskandi musician Khuzani Mpungose, popularly known as Khuba, was among the headline acts, while award-winning actors Dawn Thandeka King and Mpilo Mbatha, who portrayed Mkabayi and Mzilikazi respectively in the popular Shaka iLembe television drama, also attended.
Their participation renewed interest across the region in the history of the Zulu and Ndebele kingdoms and highlighted opportunities to connect cultural heritage with tourism and the creative economy.
The commemorations also provided a platform for investment promotion. The Africa, USA and Diaspora Alliance (AUUDA) Africa used the occasion to explore investment opportunities in
Bulawayo and other parts of Zimbabwe, supporting efforts to harness diaspora capital, expertise and networks for economic growth.
Among the international guests was African-American artiste, cultural ambassador and entrepreneur Ronnie “Big Sbuda” Dunn, who serves as Global Ambassador for AUUDA Africa.
Ahead of the commemorations, he engaged various stakeholders on diaspora investment, community development and opportunities for reconnecting members of the diaspora with their ancestral roots.
Such engagements underscore the growing link between culture and investment, while highlighting the role heritage can play in strengthening Zimbabwe’s diaspora diplomacy and economic outreach.
International Trade Council country representative and chairman for Zimbabwe Jermaine Chapfiwa was also in Bulawayo for the celebrations. He believes culture, heritage and regional
identities are important tools for promoting trade and investment.
The discussions held during the commemorations highlighted Bulawayo’s potential in tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure development, agriculture, agro-processing and renewable energy as the city pursues re-industrialisation.
According to Chapfiwa, the King Mzilikazi Day Commemorations are helping to market the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls corridor, Matobo National Park, Khami Ruins, heritage attractions, infrastructure projects and solar energy opportunities as areas with significant development potential.
Bulawayo Business Forum chairman Heresy Herry said the city’s rich heritage, industrial history and strategic location provide a strong foundation for investment-led growth. He noted that
Bulawayo’s heritage assets remain largely untapped from both tourism and investment perspectives, while sectors such as engineering, steel fabrication, infrastructure development and agriculture could contribute significantly to economic revival.
The convergence of investment discussions and cultural celebrations during the commemorations clearly demonstrated how heritage events can evolve into platforms for broader economic engagement.
The youth programme added another important dimension by exposing pupils to the history, traditions, music, dance, food, dress and cultural practices of the communities that contributed to the formation of the Ndebele nation.
By connecting young people with their history and cultural values, the programme also supported the Heritage-Based Curriculum while helping preserve important knowledge for future generations.
It further sought to address social challenges affecting young people and reinforce the role of cultural values in personal development.
In this regard, the King Mzilikazi Day Commemorations have become more than a historical remembrance. They represent a fusion of culture, heritage, tourism, entertainment, education,
leisure and investment, demonstrating how different sectors can complement and strengthen one another.
For Zimbabwe, the real value lies in leveraging such platforms to stimulate economic activity, market tourist destinations, attract investment, grow creative industries and preserve cultural assets while promoting unity among diverse communities.
King Mzilikazi, who was born near Mkuze in Zululand in 1790, is remembered for his courage, leadership and vision in building the Ndebele nation after breaking away from King Shaka in 1823.
He died on September 9, 1868, and was buried at Entumbane in Matobo, about 20 kilometres from Bulawayo. This year’s commemorations, marking 158 years since his death, served as a powerful reminder of his enduring influence on the identity, culture and heritage of Ndebele people in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Beyond the music, dance and festivities, the commemorations delivered a broader message: when culture and heritage are deliberately linked to economic and social development, they can become powerful instruments for growth, investment and national unity.
