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Langalakhe Mabena
NKAYI lit up royal style this past weekend as South Africa’s King Bongwe II of the Nzunza tribe graced the Imiklomelo kaDakamela cultural showcase — and walked away with more than applause: He got an honorary award for championing African unity through culture!
The flamboyant monarch from Mpumalanga brought royal flair and big messages to Matabeleland North, praising platforms like Imiklomelo for breaking borders and bringing Black African communities closer together.
“These awards are not just trophies — they are a reward for a life dedicated to unity and culture,” declared the king.
Clad in traditional regalia, King Bongwe II was blown away by the tribal diversity at the carnival-style awards, where dancing, drumming, and deep-rooted tradition took centre stage.
“It was magical seeing all these different ethnic groups in harmony. Zimbabweans have so much culture to be proud of — and it mirrors our own in South Africa,” he said.
He wasn’t just talking for vibes. King Bongwe dropped royal wisdom, urging Africans to embrace their differences as strength.
“Unity doesn’t mean being the same — it means respecting and celebrating our shared heritage,” he said.
“My dream? An Africa where culture brings peace.”
Calling out to Ndebeles everywhere, he urged pride in heritage:
“Your roots, values and language are your power — protect them, live them, pass them on!”
With tribes like the Venda, Tswana, Xhosa, and Zulu spread across SA and Zimbabwe, the King says it’s time we stop seeing borders and start seeing brotherhood.
The royal visit turned Nkayi into a cultural capital — and the message was loud and clear: Africa rises when Africans unite.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter