adminBongani Ndlovu Entertainment Correspondent
King Ntshosho Zwane II from South Africa failed to make his trip to Zimbabwe for the annual Amangwe cultural celebrations in Kezi, due to the ill health of former South African President Nelson Mandela. The anti-apartheid icon and inspirational Nobel Prize winner’s health has brought the region and world to a standstill with many people, especially South Africans, praying for him to get well.
This has seen, according to King Ntshosho Zwane II, all monarchs in South Africa being requested to put on hold any trip they had planned in solidarity with Mandela. Instead, the king sent a royal delegation of 18 people from Indlunkulu in Swaziland to represent him at the celebrations that were held at Chief Nyangazonke’s homestead in Kezi. Nearly 1 000 villagers attended the event.
In a speech read on his behalf by the leader of the Swaziland contingent, Princess Qalisile Dlamini, King Ntshosho said it was with a heavy heart that he could not be with his people during the celebrations.
He said he could not go against the directive to put on hold all trips in solidarity with Mandela.
“Ngenxa womthetho wase South Africa, kufikile umbiko wokuthi bonke abaholi kufanele baloxise zonke izindlela zabo eziya naphandle kwezwe ngenxa yesimo sika Tata Mandela (Because of the South African custom, I received a directive that all traditional leaders, should put on hold all trips outside of the country because of the ill health of Mandela),” said King Ntshosho Zwane II.
He said he was looking forward to coming to Zimbabwe, next year for the same celebrations.
King Ntshosho Zwane II invited the Amangwe clan for the international celebrations on 29 September 2013 in Vryheid, South Africa.
“We should keep our culture and support our cultural events so that we stop the hatred, fighting between family and clan members. We should be united so as to build the nation of the Amangwe that has love patience and always help each other at all times,” he said.
King Ntshosho Zwane II encouraged the youth to go to school as education was the key to success in the 21st Century.
The Amangwe Zimbabwe spokesman Nkosinathi Ndiweni said they understood that the king had to be in South Africa to wait on Mandela.
“It is unfortunate that he could not come, but we are in prayers for Tata Mandela with the king and the people of South Africa in this difficult time. We hope and pray he becomes better,” he said.
Chief Nyangazonke, the host said it was good for people to gather and celebrate culture.
He said Zimbabwe should encourage the upholding of culture through such events.
“It is very good for people to know where they come from in terms of upholding culture. It helps the nation grow. It is a good thing to look for your roots so that you find meaning to life,” he said.
Governor and Resident Minister for Matabeleland South, Angeline Masuku attended the event as did Chief Wasi and the newly-installed Chief Bidi. Various cultural groups and schools provided the entertainment for the annual celebrations.
Last year, the Amangwe were reunited with their kith and kin after 180 years of separation.
Online Reporter