Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE King Mzilikazi Commemoration Day celebrated its Silver Jubilee in style over the weekend as the cultural day, which honours and celebrates the legacy of the Ndebele monarch, lived to expectations.
Running under the theme “Siqoqa Isizwe Ngamasiko” (We Strengthen The Nation Through Culture), the event underscores the importance of cultural heritage in nation-building as it attracts scores of people across the tribal divides.
Some came from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Russia as well as from other countries in Africa.
For the first time, the event was held over two days.
On Friday, a seminar on the teachings of King Mzilikazi was held at Mhlahlandlela and it attracted school children from Matabeleland North and South as well as Bulawayo.
The main event took place on Saturday.
It started with a march from Matshobana Suburb (named after King Mzilikazi’s father).
At the front were Amatshitshi, followed by Izintombi and elderly women.
Behind them were Abafana, followed by Amabutho, who formed the backline for the parade.
The march diverted from the normal route, as the parade visited Barbourfields, which is home ground for football giants Highlanders.
Bosso were formed in 1926 by Prince Rhodes and Prince Albert Khumalo, two grandsons of the Ndebele King Lobengula.
The iconic club will mark a century of existence next year.
From there, the march proceeded to the Highlanders Club House (Isibaya seNkosi), a place which is believed to have been the central point where King Mzililazi and the Ndebele nation held the Inxwala (first harvest) ceremony.
A bit of cultural fun-fair in song and dance was also held at the Bulawayo Large City Hall before the crowd took off in buses to the main arena at the King Mzilikazi memorial site in Matobo.
At the main event in Mhlahlandlela, the royal palace grounds, which are often silent save for whispers of history, were transformed into a colourful hive of activity through music, dance and memory intertwined to celebrate King Mzilikazi.
Zambian Chief Chilonga, United Kingdom of Southern Africa’s Prince Mavuso, local chiefs − Chitanga, Gezani, Tshovani, Garahwa and Mahenye − were part of the special guests.
Poet Sam Ntumbane Mabhena, who travelled from South Africa, said the commemorations highlighted King Mzilikazi’s enduring role as a unifier.
“What I saw yesterday was a clear sign of how incredible King Mzilikazi was.
“Different ethnic groups from the Venda, Sotho, Shangani, Nguni, Kalanga, Tswana, Shona and Ndebele were all gathered to celebrate his legacy, something that proves how unifying Mzilikazi was.
“Such events have to be embraced because they reconnect us with our roots.”
The commemorations also attracted a tourist from Russia.
Andrey Ivin, 38, said he stumbled upon the celebrations by chance and he was overwhelmed by the passion which the Zimbabweans showed in celebrating their history.
“I had been touring Masvingo and Great Zimbabwe for the past three days.
“I saw a crowd in Bulawayo City Centre and decided to follow. I ended up here at Mhlahlandlela and I don’t regret it.
“What I witnessed is a people deeply in love with their culture. This is something I will proudly share with my family back in Russia,” said Ivin.
A member of the royal family, Prince Peter Zwide Khumalo, said he is happy that the festivities lived up to expectations.
“When we started these commemorations in the year 2000, the vision was to revive the legacy of the late King Mzilikazi after we realised that his story was starting to be forgotten. “As we turned 25 years, for the first time, the celebrations were done in two days, a sign that we are growing.
“I am happy that we attracted thousands of people from all walks of life who cherish the life and history of Mzilikazi.
“As we start preparing for the 2026 edition, we would like to give thanks to everyone who attended and we are looking forward to hosting them again next year,” said Zwide.
