The Kalanga Language and Culture Development Association (KLCDA) has dismissed claims that the BaKalanga people are subservient to the Ndebele kingdom, describing the remarks as “reckless and misleading.”
This follows a video seen by CITE in which Mthuthuki Hikwa, speaking at the King Mzilikazi Day commemorations in the United Kingdom, said: “As the Bukalanga nation we are part of the Ndebele or Mthwakazi nation. We don’t dissociate ourselves, we are just part and parcel of the Ndebele or Mthwakazi, whatever you are comfortable with.”
He further stated that the Kalanga people submit to Ndebele chiefs.
In a strongly worded statement, the KLCDA said Hikwa’s views did not represent the position of the BaKalanga.
“To the best of our knowledge, he holds no traditional leadership role, nor any formal role within the Hikwa chieftaincy. His statements were therefore personal and must not be misconstrued as representing the position of BaKalanga,” the association said.
The group stressed that the Kalanga people do not subscribe to any monarch and will not submit to Ndebele chiefs or kings.
“Without fear of contradiction, the KLCDA states clearly and unambiguously that BaKalanga are not subservient to the Ndebele/Mthwakazi in any of its manifestations. Our autonomy and dignity as BaKalanga are not negotiable,” the statement read.
The association added that while the BaKalanga were open to participating in cross-cultural events, it would always be “on the basis of self-respect, mutual respect and dignity, never subservience.”
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