Organisers of the King Mzilikazi commemorations held last week at Mhlahlandlela, the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), said this year’s event was most well-attended celebration yet” drawing thousands of participants from Zimbabwe, the region and the diaspora.
The commemorations were held on September 5 and 6 with the MMCA chairperson, Sipho Gama, saying the 2025 celebrations stood out for their scale, diversity and historical significance.
“It is with great pride and immense gratitude that we reflect on the tremendous success of the 2025 King Mzilikazi Day commemorations,” Gama told journalists on Wednesday at the Bulawayo Media Centre.
“This year’s celebration was not only a unifying cultural experience but a powerful reminder of the rich legacy left by King Mzilikazi, a visionary leader, nation-builder, and founding father of the Ndebele nation.”
Gama said the two-day programme blended culture, spirituality, and education.
Highlights of the commemorations included a vibrant cultural parade and traditional performances, historical exhibitions and educational seminars, spiritual rituals honouring the legacy of King Mzilikazi, and school engagement programmes.
“We also witnessed an unprecedented level of participation from traditional leaders, dignitaries, government officials, and international guests, making it a truly memorable and historic occasion,” Gama said.
Read: https://cite.org.zw/thousands-honour-king-mzilikazi-call-for-upgrading-historic-shrine
The chairperson also singled out the new schools programme, introduced this year, as a key success.
“Notably, our Day One programme, which successfully hosted schools, was a resounding success, and we are pleased to announce that we will be continuing with the same programme next year,” he said.
However, Gama expressed disappointment that learners from Bulawayo did not participate.
“We would like to extend our special appreciation to the Museums and Monuments team led by Nontokozo Mpofu and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for providing learners from Matabeleland South and North provinces,” he said.
“Unfortunately, learners from Bulawayo province did not attend, thereby denying them an opportunity to learn about their heritage, culture, and traditions. We intend to further engage the Provincial Education Director, Bulawayo, and the Ministry to make sure learners are afforded this opportunity next year.”
Gama said the success of the commemorations was due to the contributions of government, cultural institutions and private sponsors.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe for their unwavering support. Special mention goes to the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) for providing a bus and tents for guests. This celebration would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of our sponsors, partners and stakeholders,” said the chairperson.
Gama listed sponsors and partners, including Utande, Ingwebu Breweries, Econet Wireless, Matopo Miners Association, Enock Construction, Zwane Enterprise, Mcilo Transport, BV Sibanda, Gupta, Lozithelo, traditional chiefs, MPs, JRG Goddard, Swiss Buses, Hawkflight Construction, Intuthu Mine, Amabutho, Nyekile 1 Penny Half Penny, Kings and Queens Funerals, Kingdom Blue Funerals, Regional Funerals, Arenel, Mvelo, MP Raj Modi among others.
He also praised the MMCA steering committee and cultural organisations such as Iqoqo LaMaNtungwa, KIMRI, Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, Ibhetshu LikaZulu and Amabutho.
“Your tireless efforts and dedication made sure this year’s event was a success and we are truly thankful.”
Gama announced that King Mzilikazi Day 2026 will be held on Saturday, 5 September next year, with the schools’ programme on Friday, 4 September.
“Preparations are already underway to make next year’s event even more impactful, inclusive, and far-reaching,” he said, extending a call for broader participation.
“We invite all stakeholders to mark these dates and begin their participation. We aim to improve in many aspects where we fell short, and we will keep the public and valued stakeholders, partners and sponsors regularly updated on the progress of preparations.”
The MMCA chairperson also outlined events scheduled before next year’s commemorations.
“Firstly, this weekend, on Saturday, 13 September 2025, we will be commemorating Queen Loziba Thebe Day at Emhlanganweni in Inyathi. Queen Loziba Thebe, King Mzilikazi’s favourite wife, left an indelible mark on our history, and we invite the nation to join us in celebrating her legacy.”
Another important commemoration is planned for November.
“On 8 November 2025, we will be holding the Gadade Battle Commemoration in Gadade, 40km out of Bulawayo along Harare Road. This event serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment in our history, and we call upon all stakeholders and the nation at large to come onboard and support these events,” Gama said.
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