Historian Arnold Mayibongwe Nkala has called for the grave of Queen Loziba Thebe, the favourite wife of King Mzilikazi, to be declared a national monument in recognition of the central role she played in the founding legacy of the Ndebele nation.
Nkala made the remarks during the inaugural commemoration of Queen Loziba Thebe’s life and legacy, held at Mhlangeni in Kopa, Inyathi, where she was buried after her death in 1862.
The event marked the first formal recognition of the queen, who has long been celebrated in oral tradition but overlooked in national monuments policy.
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, Loziba did not only belong to the Thebe household, or serve as wife to the Khumalos, she was wife of Mthwakazi, representing the entire nation. That alone testifies that she was a queen,” Nkala told the crowd gathered at Kopa on Saturday.
Nkala explained that Loziba was born in 1790 to Phahlana Thebe, the same year King Mzilikazi was born.
“This shows these two were meant to be together from the very beginning,” he said.
Nkala stressed that Loziba’s stature has often been misrepresented and sought to clarify.
“Loziba was a queen, she was a wife. Calling her inkosikazi does not mean we are reducing her stature but uplifting it. An indlovukazi is the mother of a king, but Loziba’s tombstone is inscribed ‘Ndlovukazi.’ I don’t know if that can be corrected, but it would be good to inscribe inkosikazi so her true role is not lost. The indlovukazi was in fact uMwaka wako Nxumalo kaZwide,” explained the historian.
The historian also noted that Loziba’s position as Mzilikazi’s favourite wife was evident from historical records and cultural practices.
“Loziba was called nakaLobitshi, and her daughter’s bride price was 100 cows. That was Mzilikazi’s way of showing his love for her. When we say Loziba was his favourite wife, we say so with evidence,” Nkala explained.
He revealed that Loziba’s daughter, Lobitshi was betrothed to Prince Linganisa, who later became chief of Emakhandeni, now Siphoso in Tsholotsho.
“Chief Siphoso should be invited to these commemorations because their chieftaincy was born after Loziba’s daughter married Linganisa,” Nkala suggested.
Quoting an old saying, “umfazi kalankosi” (a woman has no ruler), Nkala argued that Loziba discreetly influenced Mzilikazi’s rule.
“Mzilikazi was king to everyone besides Loziba. In other words, the Thebes were ruling this nation through her. She was the engine. Just like in a car, the engine is hidden but it is what makes everything move. All that Mzilikazi did, his heroism and bravery, he took from Loziba,” Nkala said.
Nkala highlighted the historical significance of Mhlangeni, where Loziba was buried.
“This place is known for its history. It was once home to kings. Mambo stayed here before Mzilikazi came. It was the household of Bhebhe, known as oBhebhe abaziwayinkosi abanye bengaziwa. Mzilikazi admired them greatly,” Nkala said.
He also described Loziba’s burial as unique, noting that Mzilikazi buried Loziba inside the cattle kraal, a sign of her extraordinary status.
“Loziba died in 1862. Burials were different from today, burials were done as if one sat on a chair. That is why when someone dies, it is said they have gone to kogoqanyawo,” he said.
“Mzilikazi saw that Loziba’s spirit was masculine. That is why he buried her at the kraal, not with other women, to show he had lost his engine.”
The historian added how King Mzilikazi tried to be strong after Loziba’s death but failed.
“He could not look at the cattle in that kraal, because all the time he would see her grave, so he moved to Mhlahlandlela for rehabilitation. He could not survive without her. Loziba died in 1862, Mzilikazi waited for her memorial in 1863, and eventually he himself died in 1868 without his soulmate,” Nkala narrated.
Nkala said the Nyathi people, who lived in the area at the time, played a crucial role in preserving Loziba’s grave.
“Here at Mhlangeni there were villagers known as Nyathi, the army (ibutho). They were later moved by white settlers to Esigodini and Buhera. They should also be called to attend this event under Chief Gwebu, who was in charge here at Nyathi. After the nation dispersed, this palace was under Nyathi farm. Nyathi Mission, just a kilometre from here, helped to preserve the kraal and history so it was not lost. They played a big role, that is why we still know where Loziba’s grave is,” Nkala said.
Nkala expressed dismay that Queen Loziba’s grave remains unrecognised by national heritage authorities, despite its clear historical importance.
“Nyathi Mission is a national monument, but surprisingly this place is not. Something should be done to make it a national monument since it is part of the Nyathi Mission. That way, it can be easier to get funds to develop it and make it a tourist attraction,” Nkala urged.
He said formal recognition of the site would make sure Queen Loziba’s contribution to the Ndebele nation is preserved for future generations, allowing her story to continue inspiring others.
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