Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
WHAT began as a commemoration of King Mzilikazi’s death anniversary turned into a major cross-border celebration of African culture and heritage on Saturday, as thousands of people from Zimbabwe and beyond converged at historic Mhlahlandlela in Bulawayo.
The gathering brought together Government officials, Bulawayo City Council leadership, amabutho, amaguqa, amatshitshi, cultural groups and members of the public, with visitors from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and China also joining the celebrations.
The usually quiet historical site on the outskirts of Bulawayo was transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, with music, dance, traditional performances and colourful regalia creating a fitting tribute to the founder of the Ndebele nation.
The celebrations began at 7am with a cultural parade from Matshobana Township, led by amatshitshi, amaguqa, abafana and amabutho. Dressed in traditional regalia, the participants marched through some of Bulawayo’s iconic suburbs, including Matshobana, Nguboyenja, Mzilikazi and Makokoba, before proceeding into the city centre. The procession made a stop at the statue of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo before continuing to the Large City Hall car park, from where participants were transported to Mhlahlandlela for the main ceremony.
At Mhlahlandlela, generations converged to celebrate the legacy of King Mzilikazi, with elderly participants, children and cultural groups adding colour to the festivities.
Born near Mkuze in Zululand in 1790, King Mzilikazi is remembered for his leadership 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 20km from Bulawayo.
This year’s commemorations marked 158 years since his death and highlighted the enduring cultural links between the Ndebele people in Zimbabwe and other Nguni communities across the region.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe, who was the guest of honour, said the huge turnout reflected the significance of King Mzilikazi’s contribution to the development of the Ndebele nation.
“Your presence is a reminder that we are gathered on sacred ground. We gather not to just remember a king but a builder. King Mzilikazi kaMatshobane was not just a warrior, he was a nation builder, a unifier and a custodian of identity,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said culture remained central to how communities and the country conducted their affairs.
“Culture is the way we resolve conflict. It is the way we farm, it is the way we treat our elderly, it is how we lead and how we govern,” he said.
The commemorations also emerged as a platform for strengthening cultural ties beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Royal guest Dumisani Mthembo Dube, chairman of the Umkhosi WeNxwala ceremony in Zambia under the kingship of Mpezeni, said attending the event had allowed him to learn more about Ndebele history and culture.
“It is a great thing for the nation to unite to revive African culture. It’s a great honour that I was invited to be part of this event. Coming from Zambia to Bulawayo to celebrate the King Mzilikazi commemorations gave me purpose because I am here to learn the history of our forefathers and further learn the way of life for the Ndebele nation.
“This was a great expedition, and what I learnt here, I will share it with other Nguni people in Zambia,” said Mr Dube.
Adding star power to the commemorations were South African entertainment personalities, including Maskandi musician Khuzani Mpungose and stars of the popular television series Shaka iLembe, Dawn Thandeka King and Mpilo Mbatha, who played Mkabayi and Mzilikazi respectively.
Khuzani, who has a large following among Maskandi fans, popularly known as the “blue nation”, said he was overwhelmed by the reception he received in Bulawayo.
“It’s my first time being in Zimbabwe, KwaBulawayo, and I am shocked by what I am seeing here. Being welcomed with such love is a beautiful gesture that I believe is mostly reserved for the kings and queens. Such a gesture humbles me.
“The cultural songs at this ceremony were sung in isintu, a great common thing that we do in KwaZulu. Basically, my experience here confirmed that indeed we are one people,” said Khuzani.
For acclaimed actress Dawn Thandeka King, the visit was equally personal, with the actress describing her return to Bulawayo as a homecoming. King previously visited the city earlier this year for Imiklomelo kaDakamela before travelling to Nkayi, where she immersed herself in local culture and interacted with communities.
“Being here already feels like home. Earlier this year, I was here and went to Nkayi, where I had a great cultural experience. Instead of staying for a short period of time, I had to stay much longer because I found purpose in this city, holding acting classes and doing other business.
“My return is to continue my cultural journey and discovery in this beautiful city. My roots are connected with the Khumalo people, and I felt like royalty to be invited for this great day, celebrating the legacy of King Mzilikazi,” she said.
Chief Dakamela of Nkayi, who delivered the closing remarks, said the massive turnout demonstrated that communities remained committed to preserving their cultural identity.
“What I see here is an embrace of who we are. I am proud that people came in their numbers to celebrate this day. This was King Mzilikazi’s dream when he created the Ndebele nation. I am sure he is happy wherever he is, because we united today to preserve his dream and legacy.
“This event was a success because of the people. Amabutho or chiefs were not going to make all this such a success alone. It is the people who left everything behind to come together and unite for this event,” said Chief Dakamela.
The main ceremony ended at 5pm, but the cultural celebration continued into the evening at a local leisure spot where the Maskandi Music Festival, headlined by Khuzani, took over.
Other performers included Bhila, Gazelimnyama and Imfanomsuthu, alongside Maskandi and Imbube artistes.
The scale and diversity of this year’s commemorations demonstrated that King Mzilikazi’s legacy extends beyond a historical remembrance, continuing to provide a cultural bridge connecting communities across Zimbabwe and the wider Nguni world.
Meanwhile, the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA) has hailed this year’s commemorations as a resounding success, expressing gratitude to the thousands of people who turned out to honour the legacy of King Mzilikazi, the founding father of the Ndebele nation.
