Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE organisers of the King Mzilikazi Day commemorations, the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), have announced that the 2025 edition of the annual event set a new attendance record of 9 000 people since its inception in 2000.
Held at King Mzilikazi’s grave at koMhlahlandlela in Matobo this past weekend, the commemorations attracted thousands of attendees from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Russia and several other countries.
“We are pleased to report that this year’s event was the most attended King Mzilikazi Day yet, drawing thousands of participants from across Zimbabwe, the region and the diaspora. Close to 9 000 people attended. We also witnessed an unprecedented level of participation from traditional leaders, dignitaries, Government officials and international guests, making it a truly memorable and historic occasion,” said MMCA chairman, Sipho Gama.
Highlights of the celebration included a vibrant cultural parade and traditional performances, historical exhibitions and educational seminars, spiritual rituals honouring the legacy of King Mzilikazi and school engagement programmes.
Gama said preparations are already underway for the 2026 edition, which is expected to surpass this year’s event.
“Our Day One programme, which hosted schools, was a resounding success, and we’re pleased to announce that we’ll continue with the same initiative next year. The schools programme will take place on September 4, 2026.
“We’d like to extend our special appreciation to the Museum and Monuments team led by Nontokozo Mpofu and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for facilitating learners from Matabeleland South and North provinces,” said Gama.
He also issued a clarion call to Government departments, local authorities, businesses, corporates, artistes, arts associations and other stakeholders to partner with MMCA in making future commemorations bigger and more inclusive.
As part of preparations for 2026, MMCA has lined up several Ndebele and historical events. Among them is the inaugural Queen Loziba Day, organised by the Loziba Thebe Development Trust and scheduled for September 13 at eMhlangeni in Inyathi.
“Queen Loziba Thebe was King Mzilikazi’s favourite wife. She died in 1862 and was buried at eMhlangeni, King Mzilikazi’s first capital, before he relocated to koMhlahlandlela. She left an indelible mark on our history, and we invite the nation to join us in celebrating her legacy,” said Gama.
On November 8, MMCA will also host the Gadade Battle Commemoration at Gadade, 40 kilometres outside Bulawayo along Harare Road.
The Battle of Gadade, also known as the Battle of Bembezi, was the decisive and final conflict of the First Anglo-Ndebele War, fought on November 1, 1893. During the battle, thousands of Ndebele warriors armed with spears and rifles were mown down by British Maxim guns — a weapon the Ndebele had never encountered before. The defeat marked the fall of the Ndebele state.
“The Battle of Gadade serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment in our history, and we call upon all stakeholders and the nation at large to support these events,” said Gama.
