adminThe colourful event was attended by the supreme King of the Xhosa community, King Zwelonke Sigcawu of South Africa who arrived in Mbembesi on Thursday with his delegation.
Senior politicians from different parties such as Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu and his wife Sikhanyisiwe, MDC president Professor Welshman Ncube and his top brass, Zapu president Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, Zanu-PF deputy secretary for women’s affairs Cde Abigail Damasane and Bubi House of Assembly Member Cde Clifford Sibanda graced the occasion.
Also present were officials from the South African embassy in Zimbabwe, the provincial administrator for Matabeleland North Ms Latiso Dlamini, Matabeleland North provincial education director Mrs Boithatelo Mnguni, historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi and the descendant of King Lobengula, Mr Peter Zwide Kalanga Khumalo.
Captivating entertainment in the form of songs, dance and praise poetry in honour of King Zwelonke dominated the event as the huge gathering celebrated the king’s first visit to the country.
Pomp and fanfare gripped the place as the king and his delegation arrived at the school with senior Government officials and traditional leaders welcoming him.
The king was presented with the gift of a cow and a sheep as a sign of acceptance before going to the ibhodlo, a Xhosa traditional court where he was apprised about the Xhosa people in Mbembesi and other parts of the country.
During the celebrations the king presented gifts to several dignitaries including Minister Mpofu and Chief Ndondo of Mbembesi as a sign of honour for their contribution to the preservation of the Xhosa identity.
Minister Mpofu, who was conferred with a royal fellowship to the Xhosa community, received a gift of a headgear, royal blanket, and a portrait and neck beads. He also received headgear and neck attire.
Chief Ndondo received a portrait with a Xhosa emblem and a royal regalia called sisidanga as acknowledgement of his authority.
In turn Chief Ndondo gave the king the gift of a leopard skin and a short spear (isijula).
King Zwelonke also gave a portrait with the Xhosa emblem to Sojini Cultural Group, whose musical presentations kept the gathering spellbound.
Another portrait was presented to the Minister of Local Government, Urban and Rural Development Dr Ignatius Chombo in honour of his role in facilitating the arrival of the king and his entourage. However, Dr
Chombo was not at the ceremony and his portrait was received by Ms Dlamini.
The descendant of the Xhosa royal kingdom, Mr Macloud Tshawe, was given a royal robe called ingcawe, a head ring and a portrait.
Meanwhile, Mr Nyathi gave the king five books that he has penned about the history of the Ndebele nation.
The books include Changing Material Culture of the Ndebele, Tumbale the history of Bhebhe people in Zimbabwe, Traditional Ceremonies of AmaNdebele, Lozikeyi the Queen of the Ndebele and In search of Freedom, which is a biography of the late national hero, Cde Nikita Mangena who was the Zipra commander.
In his address King Zwelonke paid tribute to President Mugabe and the leaders of the country for allowing him to visit Mbembesi.
“This visit has done a great thing to me. I am satisfied with no reservations that Xhosa people here are still holding onto their culture.
“I also commend the Government of Zimbabwe for giving the land to its people. We have received respect and honour from you and I am happy that people from this country are working hard to till the land,” said King Zwelonke.
Online Reporter