Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
PREPARATIONS for the King Mzilikazi Annual Commemorations have started with a strategic partnership between the event organisers and Star FM being launched.
The celebrations will be held from September 5 and 6 at King Mzilikazi Memorial Site in Mhlahlandlela, Matopos, under the theme “Siqoqa Isizwe Ngamasiko” (We Strengthen The Nation Through Culture), emphasising the vital role of cultural heritage in nation building. Matabeleland traditional leaders will lead the commemorations.
They include Chief Mathema, Chief Dakamela, Chief Fuyana, Chief Matshazi, Chief Mathe and Chief Menyezwa. Organisers of the event, Mthwakazi ‘‘Ka’’ Mzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA) spokesperson Dr Gasolo, said preparations were well on course.
“The King Mzilikazi Annual Commemoration is a significant event that celebrates the life and legacy of King Mzilikazi, the Ndebele founding King.
“The commemorations, which began in the year 2000, have been organised by the MMCA in collaboration with traditional chiefs, cultural organisations and the Khumalos.
“The event will run for two days with the first day focusing on education, promoting cultural heritage and indigenous languages where children from ECD A to tertiary will take part in seminars,” said Dr Gasolo.
Dr Gasolo added: “On September 6th, the commemorations will begin with a cultural parade match from Matshobana along Luveve Road to Bulawayo City Hall, where transportation will be provided to the main venue at the King Mzilikazi Memorial Site in Mhlahlandlela, Matopos.
“The site is located 22kms out of Bulawayo along the Old Gwanda Road.
“We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Star FM as our national radio partner for this year’s commemoration and we are finalising our partnership with Skyz Metro FM. This event promises to be a grand celebration of King Mzilikazi’s legacy, and everyone is encouraged to attend.”
Star FM programming manager, Steve Vickers, said: “Star FM last year spread its wings to the Matabeleland region where Babongile Skhonjwa has been hosting the Afterdrive programme and last week we launched the campaign towards the event.
“This is the first time we are partnering with a Matabeleland event which shows our growth as a station.
‘‘As a national broadcaster we hope to spread the information about King Mzilikazi,” said Vickers.
