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Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
PRINCESS Andile naBingweni Mabena and Prince Ayanda Manala Sibindi are expected to arrive in Bulawayo on Friday ahead of the Imiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival, which will run from Friday to Monday at Chief Dakamela’s homestead in Nkayi, Matabeleland North.
The two royals hail from the Manala royal family of Mpumalanga in South Africa, under the reign of His Majesty King Enock Makhosonke II Mabhena. They are set to travel with a royal delegation following an invitation from Chief Dakamela, a visit intended to deepen cultural bonds and reinforce historic ties between the Manala people in South Africa and their kin in Zimbabwe.
The Manala are one of the two principal branches of the Southern Ndebele nation, alongside the Ndzundza. Their lineage represents the senior royal line of the Ndebele people, with authority tracing back to the 17th-century division of the original Ndebele kingdom, a legacy that continues to shape identity and leadership across borders.
Princess Andile naBingweni Mabena, a member of the Manala Mgibe royal family, has earned wide recognition beyond traditional circles for her work as a youth leader and a global advocate for women’s and children’s rights. She serves on the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA) as a Steering Committee member and youth representative, engaging traditional leaders across the continent to confront social challenges through the preservation and application of cultural heritage.
One of the Imiklomelo kaDakamela organisers, Ntando Ndlovu, said Princess naBingweni was deliberately invited for the voice she brings to younger generations.
“As a cultural leader, she represents the intersection of modern human rights advocacy and traditional African governance, showing how these structures can empower young women and youth. Empowering youth through culture is one of Imiklomelo’s core goals, and her presence will help drive this vision forward,” said Ndlovu.
Prince Ayanda Manala Sibindi, meanwhile, is also a prominent figure within the Ndebele Kingdom, known for his pan Africanist activism and firm commitment to the protection and promotion of Ndebele heritage.
Prince Ayanda Manala Sibindi, who attended last year’s King Mzilikazi commemorations, said he is delighted to return to Zimbabwe, a country he regards with deep affection and familiarity.
“I’ve visited Zimbabwe several times, and it’s always an honour to be invited back to Imiklomelo kaDakamela. The festival offers a valuable platform to connect with others while tracing our roots and identity,” said Manala Sibindi.
The Imiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival has steadily established itself as a unifying platform for diverse African ethnic groups, including the Manala Mabhena family. Last year, King Makhosonke’s sister, Princess Agnes Nomngoma Mabhena, attended the festival as guest of honour. The return of the Manala royals this year further cements the festival’s growing role as a bridge for cultural unity and shared African heritage.
Online Reporter