For the first time since its inception in 2010, the annual King Mzilikazi Commemoration will be held over two days this year, a development cultural leaders say reflects the growing importance of heritage and nation-building in Zimbabwe.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at a press conference hosted by the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association at the Bulawayo Media Centre.
The 2025 edition of the King Mzilikazi Commemoration will take place on September 5 and 6 at the King Mzilikazi Memorial Site in Mhlahlandlela, located 22 km along the Old Gwanda Road.
Lungisani Ndiweni, Secretary of the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association, said this year’s event will carry the theme “Sigoqa Isizwe Ngamasiko – We Strengthen the Nation Through Culture.”
“This year marks a historic milestone as we commemorate King Mzilikazi over two days for the first time,” said Ndiweni.
He said the extra day will allow them to deepen our engagement, especially with the youth, and to foster stronger connections with our cultural roots.
“The first day on September 5, 2025 will focus on students from primary to university level, promoting heritage based education and cultural awareness. The programme aims to promote cultural heritage and indigenous languages e, encourage participation in traditional activities like songs and dances foster values like ubuntu and responsibility,” Ndiweni said.
“We encourage young girls to join Amatshitshi and boys to join Amabutho where they will be groomed into responsible adults,” Ndiweni said.
The second day on September 6, 2025, will be open to the public and will include a colourful cultural parade marching from Matshobana suburb to Bulawayo City Hall via Luveve Road. Highlights of the day include traditional displays by Amabutho, Amatshitshi, and other performing arts groups.
“Traditional food, traditional beer, storytelling, and presentations on King Mzilikazi’s legacy will all be part of the programme. We are expecting more than 5 000 participants,” Ndiweni added. “The guest of honour will be announced soon.”
The event will also feature a memorial lecture by respected historians and researchers, while the organisers are seeking sponsorship for a King Mzilikazi Cup soccer tournament as part of the festivities.
“We invite the Government of Zimbabwe, the National Chiefs’ Council, and cultural organisations to participate and support this important occasion,” said Ndiweni, who also appealed for financial and material donations.
“We welcome cattle, mealie meal, refreshments, and other services. Monetary donations can be made to our bank account Mthwakazi ka Mzilikazi Cultural Association, Account number: :1151905461, CABS Fife Street account in US dollars.”
Chief Khulumani Mathema of Gwanda and Chief Dakamela of Nkayi are leading the fundraising and resource mobilisation effort.
“All requests and proposals will carry the association’s official stamp and all donations will be receipted,” Ndiweni assured.
“For more information, people can contact the association’s Chairman on +263 778 482 046 and organiser on +263772946905.”
King Mzilikazi Commemorations are spearheaded by Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association, an organisation committed to preserving the history, culture, and heritage of the Mthwakazi nation, a nation rooted in the diverse Bantu ethnic groups united under King Mzilikazi after his break from King Shaka during the Mfecane era.
At the press conference, Phillip Khumalo, Secretary of the Khumalo elders group (uNobhala weIqoqo Labadala laboKhumalo), emphasised the cultural and spiritual significance of the event.
“When we speak about the history of King Mzilikazi, as his descendants, we acknowledge that we are in a country with rules and cultural traditions. Even though we are Khumalos, we also belong to a broader nation that was built by our ancestor. In that regard, we listen to what the people are saying and also consider the position of the government,” he said.
“In response to some of the negative reports circulating, we as the Khumalo family continue to engage with the government. However, our culture remains incomplete without a king. To fully honour our traditions, we need to restore that aspect. For instance, there is the spiritual space of Inxwala, where we must go to connect with and worship our ancestors.
Khumalo expressed optimism that the dream of restoring full cultural practices under a recognised monarch would one day be realised.
“Our nation is in darkness because we have strayed from the footsteps of our forebears who built this nation. What we need is ongoing engagement, here different views can be shared, and in the end, clarity is found through dialogue. We remain hopeful that one day, we will reach that point of unity and fulfillment, because this nation needs a king.”
King Mzilikazi kaMashobana, born in the late 1700s in Ngome (KwaZulu-Natal), was a famed military strategist under King Shaka.
His royal blood and independent vision led him to part ways with Shaka and eventually establish the Mthwakazi nation in present-day Matabeleland.
Mzilikazi united diverse ethnic groups including the Ngunis, Sothos, Tswanas and locals through conquest and diplomacy, creating a powerful nation with a lasting legacy.
Mthwakazi ka Mzilikazi Cultural Association Chairman, Sipho Marvellous Gama, reiterated that the commemoration was not about nostalgia, but about reclaiming and re-anchoring identity.
“The King Mzilikazi Commemoration is a celebration of leadership, unity, and resilience. It’s about shaping the future,” Gama said.
Gama called on stakeholders, government departments, businesses, cultural institutions, and ordinary citizens to support the effort.