Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena in BULAWAYO
PREPARATIONS for this year’s King Mzilikazi Commemorations, scheduled for September 4 and 5, are gathering pace, with organisers expecting thousands of people from across Zimbabwe and beyond to attend the annual cultural event.
The two-day commemorations, organised by the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), are expected to draw Government officials, Bulawayo city leaders, cultural enthusiasts from across Africa, tourists, members of the Zimbabwean diaspora and people from different parts of the country.
Among the high-profile guests confirmed for the event are South Africa’s King of Maskandi music, Khuzani Mpungose, as well as award-winning actors Dawn Thandeka King and Mpilo Mbatha, who portrayed Mkabayi and King Mzilikazi respectively in the acclaimed Mzansi television series Shaka iLembe.
This year’s commemorations will be spread over two days, with September 4 dedicated to children and young people.
The youth-focused programme will expose participants to traditional values, Ndebele cuisine, traditional music and dance as organisers seek to pass on the community’s cultural heritage to the next generation.
The main commemorations will take place on September 5, when thousands are expected to gather to honour the life and legacy of King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation.
Proceedings will begin with a cultural parade from Matshobana Township at 8am, led by Amatshitshi, labafana and Amabutho.
Participants dressed in traditional attire will march through some of Bulawayo’s iconic landmarks, including Barbourfields Stadium, home of Highlanders Football Club, the Inxwala Grounds and the statue of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
The parade will conclude at the Large City Hall car park, where attendees will be transported to eMhlahlandlela for the main commemorative event.
MMCA Media and Publicity official Mr Bigboy George Sibanda said preparations were progressing well despite a delayed start.
“Our preparations started a bit late because we were still waiting for people who would volunteer to join the organising team.
“What I can say is that we are in the right direction, as we are currently on the ground running around to make sure that this year’s event is a success. We are building the main toilets, which will be used by the public. We are also building toilets for the VIPs that we are looking forward to hosting, from Government officials to visitors from different nations and African ethnic groups, as well as the entire nation,” said Mr Sibanda.
He called on members of the public to attend the commemorations in large numbers, saying King Mzilikazi’s legacy of unity and inclusivity remains relevant today.
“King Mzilikazi was a unifier, and this year we are riding on that unifying spirit, as we call on people from different nations and all over Zimbabwe to come in their numbers to celebrate our pride and culture. King Mzilikazi was accommodative, therefore, we call upon everyone from different walks of life, be it Venda, Tonga, Tswana, Kalanga, Ndau, Tsonga, Shona or Ndebele, to come dressed in their traditional attire because this celebration is for everyone,” said Mr Sibanda.
MMCA chairman Luka Mazilo Bhebhe said the association was honoured to spearhead the commemorations, which are central to its mission of preserving and promoting Ndebele culture for future generations.
He said the organisation was committed to providing a cultural voice for the community while ensuring that customs, traditions and history are safeguarded and passed on to younger generations.
“MMCA is all about making sure that Ndebele culture is not lost, and we take pride in being the main organisers of the event, as this fulfils our mandate as people.
“King Mzilikazi was a unifier who respected all his people, hence, this event is for all of us to come and celebrate his life and legacy.
“This year, we want to make sure that our history and tradition are shared with people. Hence, the reason why we crafted the first day of the commemorations to be specifically for children. We are looking forward to hosting school children from Matabeleland North and South, as well as from Bulawayo.
“They will be taught the history of the Ndebele nation, how to cook cultural dishes, as well as how to preserve themselves by abstaining from sex before coming of age and saying no to alcohol and drug abuse.
They are the future leaders; hence, they have to be groomed at a young age,” said Mr Bhebhe.
More than 12 000 people attended last year’s commemorations, which celebrate the history, culture and enduring legacy of the Ndebele monarch.
This year, organisers are aiming to double that attendance figure as final preparations gather momentum ahead of one of the country’s biggest cultural celebrations.
