The annual King Mzilikazi commemorations will be held on 5 and 6 September at Mhlahlandlela, on the outskirts of Bulawayo. The event will reflect on the legacy of the Ndebele nation’s founder, who is remembered as both a warrior and a nation builder.
Speaking on This Morning on Asakhe, historian Thomas Sibanda said King Mzilikazi developed a sophisticated system of governance in the 19th century that challenged colonial portrayals of African rulers as despotic.
“He created a highly organised society grounded in justice and nation-building,” Sibanda said.
Mzilikazi once compared a nation to a blanket “sewn meticulously with different animal skins”, symbolising the unification of diverse communities under one kingdom.
The Ndebele state was divided into four provinces, or Amakhanda, Emakhandeni, Amhlophe, Amnyama and Igabha. Each combined civilian life with military organisation, with men expected to serve as soldiers. Villages were structured as fortified regimental settlements led by induna military generals.
Although influenced by Zulu traditions, Tom said Mzilikazi’s governance was distinctive in merging community life with military preparedness for defence and cohesion.
At the top of the hierarchy was the king, supported by the Indunankulu Yesizwe, a role similar to prime minister. Two councils , the Umphakathi inner council and the Izikhulu great council of chiefs, advised the monarch on state affairs.
“The king was effectively a ceremonial head of state and a source of unity,” Sibanda explained.
Ten key principles underpinned governance in the kingdom, including land stewardship, military strength and justice.
Courts distinguished between serious and minor crimes, and accused individuals were given the opportunity to be heard.
A civil service was in place, with the amanxusa police force enforcing order and summoning people to court. Royal queens were also stationed across provinces, acting as the king’s eyes and providing intelligence.
“The king’s wives were placed in all provinces or regions, and they played a role as the eye of the king,” he said.
Sibanda argued that African nationalist movements often overlooked indigenous philosophies, preferring foreign ideologies such as Marxism and communism.
“We don’t see much of indigenous leadership thought and philosophy,” he said, calling for more study of African governance traditions.
This year’s commemorations will bring together cultural leaders from Southern Africa, scholars, learners from Matabeleland and communities to honour Mzilikazi’s legacy of governance and statecraft.
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