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The royal team was also travelling with another royal family from Zululand in South Africa where King Mzilikazi was born.
Mr Mkiva told journalists at the airport that King Sigcawu was in the country to join the Khumalo descendants and the people of Matabeleland region in celebrating the life of King Mzilikazi.
“His majesty is here to celebrate the life of King Mzilikazi who we all regard as one of the gallant fighters of Africa. The Xhosa people are related to the Khumalos and the entire people of Matabeleland,” said Mr Mkiva.
“King Sigcawu has a community in Zimbabwe that directly originates from South Africa and we believe that relations must continue to be strengthened not based on events but constant interactions.”
Mr Mkiva urged youths to come in their numbers to celebrate King Mzilikazi’s life.
“It is important for the youths to be part of these celebrations as they will be educated on how to preserve the African culture, values and the role of traditional leaders in their communities.
“The King will be here for the rest of the weekend and we are grateful to the Khumalos for inviting us to this important event,” said Mr Mkiva.
King Mzilikazi’s descendant, Prince Zwide Kalanga Khumalo, expressed his gratitude to King Sigcawu and the royal family for dedicating their time to the important event.
“We are overwhelmed by the King’s presence because it makes the celebrations a reality. The Ndebele people are already in a celebration mood and we hope the people of Bulawayo will join us in the celebrations,” he said.
The team proceeded to Mr Nkiki Bonisile Nyawuza’s homestead in Mbembesi where the King met some of the Xhosa people.
He urged them to strive to preserve the Xhosa ethics and be proud of their culture.
“It is important for the Xhosa people to preserve their culture and values and make sure that they are not a lost community. As the Xhosa King, I will continue to come to strengthen our relations and make sure that our culture is preserved.
“We are in the process of negotiating with the South African Government to assist us in bringing books that will teach the young generation the real Xhosa culture,” said the King.
The royal team also proceeded to King Mzilikazi’s grave, where they laid a wreath in memory of the king.
An estimated 200 000 Xhosa descendants live in Zimbabwe. The majority is found in Mbembesi, Fort Rixon in Filabusi and the Motapa area in Bubi.
King Mzilikazi is the Southern African king who founded the Ndebele Kingdom, Mthwakazi, out of an elite group of Zulu warriors.
He built the Ndebele Kingdom in Matabeleland.
King Mzilikazi was born the son of Matshobana near Mkuze, Zululand, now part of
South Africa, and died at Ingama, Matabeleland near Bulawayo on 5 September 1886 and was buried in a cave at the Matobo Hills.
Online Reporter