By BM Mkwananzi – Prince of Mthwakazi
There is a troubling trend that has crept into our discourse as a people: a small but noisy clique that has crowned itself as the so-called “purists” of Mthwakazi, who use social media not to build, but to attack, divide, and denigrate anyone whose approach differs from their own.
These individuals, rather than working to strengthen isizwe, spend their energy tearing down those who sacrifice time, effort, and resources to advance our collective cause.
Let it be stated clearly: militancy is not the preserve of a few. If confrontation is required, we are more than capable of meeting head on. But to be threatened or disrespected simply because one chooses to be cordial, diplomatic, or collaborative? That is unacceptable. Militancy without direction is not strength – it is destruction.
The Danger of Forced Folds
Our nation is complex, born of many lineages, identities, and realities. To attempt to force every person into one fold, dictated by the whims of a few, is to misunderstand the very foundation of Mthwakazi. People must be wooed by works, not bullied into allegiance by the same gukurahundist tactics that once labeled, dehumanised, and killed our people. It is ironic – and tragic – that those who claim to fight for liberation mimic the very methods of oppression we once endured.
King Mzilikazi, the founder of our nation, built not on uniformity, but on unity in diversity. The glue of Mthwakazi was inclusion, different groups brought under one vision, respected for their contributions, and bound by collective destiny. That spirit is betrayed when leaders, or those who aspire to lead, shrink into small feudal lords, constantly suspicious, quick to attack, and unwilling to take the long road of tolerance, dialogue, and statesmanship.
Contributions Should Not Breed Condemnation
Every effort that contributes to the strength of isizwe must be applauded, not attacked. Whether through community advocacy, cultural promotion, or grassroots organising, the collective progress of our people is what matters. To label, insult, or ostracize those who have worked tirelessly – and often voluntarily – for the cause is not only dishonourable; it is betrayal.
The truth is simple: no single group holds a monopoly over the destiny of Mthwakazi. Contributions come from many directions. Some fight on the streets, some in courts, some in the media, some in cultural arenas, some through diplomacy, and some through day-to-day acts of service. To narrow our definition of “the struggle” to a single method or ideology is to sabotage the very future we claim to be fighting for.
Fragile Egos and Misunderstandings
Too often, the quarrels that fracture our leadership are born not of real differences, but of fragile egos and simple misunderstandings. Instead of assuming the worst of each other, our leaders and activists should be bringing themselves to the table. Dialogue is not weakness – it is maturity. Debate is not betrayal – it is the essence of democracy.
The challenge before us is not to splinter further, but to recognise that our diversity of approaches is a strength. We must channel that diversity into a united movement that mirrors the vision of King Mzilikazi – unity through respect, inclusion, and shared purpose.
A Call for Sobriety and Unity
Let us be clear: those who spend their time dividing, insulting, and undermining others are doing the work of the enemy. Their bile is not revolutionary fire; it is poison. If we are serious about building a formidable force, we must leave behind the politics of petty attacks and fragile egos. We must reject the false purism that says only one method, one voice, or one leader is legitimate.
True leadership is not about dominance. It is about humility, tolerance, and the ability to hold together a diverse people without resorting to threats or denigration. That is the leadership Mthwakazi needs. That is the leadership our ancestors practised. And that is the leadership that will secure our future.
Anything less is betrayal.
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