The government has announced that heritage sites linked to King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation, will be part of the 2026 Independence Celebration legacy projects, which include the drilling of boreholes to support site preservation and tourism.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe revealed the plans while responding to questions in the Senate on the recognition and protection of historical monuments.
He said the government was scaling up efforts to preserve and promote national heritage sites as part of its broader legacy programme.
“Particularly the liberation heritage preservation, interpretation and presentation through the vibrant liberation war heritage memorialisation programme and new heritage centres have been developed, for example, at Pupu in Lupane, which was commissioned by His Excellency the President,” said Kazembe.
He cited additional sites, including Kamungoma in Gutu, the Butcher site in Rusape, Dzapasi in Buhera, Mutapa Hall, Sikombela Hwahwa and Connemara Prisons in the Midlands, noting that each carries important historical information about Zimbabwe’s struggle for self-rule.
Kazembe said this year new projects were planned at Altena Farm in Muzarabani, and the Chinhoyi 7 Memorial, while 14 new national monuments were declared in 2024.
“Among the newly declared sites are significant landmarks linked to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, Matumba 6, Gonakudzingwa Restriction Camp and Altena Farm. These declarations mark a pivotal moment in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s legacy aimed at promoting national identity, heritage tourism and cultural education,” he said.
The minister also confirmed that King Mzilikazi’s grave, located at Entumbane along Old Gwanda Road, is officially recognised as a national monument.
“King Mzilikazi’s grave is officially recognised as a National Monument, Number 41, declared in 1942 under Section 9 of the Monuments and Relics Act,” Kazembe said.
He added that the King Mzilikazi Memorial at Mhlahlandlela, declared in 1941, stands on the site of the King’s former royal town and serves as a key cultural landmark.
“The memorial stood in the shade of the indaba tree under which Mzilikazi sat in council,” he said. “It carries the inscription: ‘Mzilikazi, son of Matshobane, the Matebele hail you. The mountain fell down on 5th September, 1868. All nations acclaimed the son of Matshobane, bayete.’”
Kazembe said the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) is working with local communities to develop a wider trail of Mzilikazi’s legacy, including the graves of Queen Lozua and Queen Lozikeyi.
“In 2024, NMMZ submitted proclamation dossiers for Queen Lozua and Queen Lozikeyi’s graves. It also participates in the yearly commemorations held at Mhlahlandlela, King Mzilikazi memorial, Queen Kadade and Queen Lozikeyi,” he said.
While King Mzilikazi’s grave has traditionally been closed to tourists due to cultural sensitivities, Kazembe said the Khumalo family recently agreed to open it to the public.
“The family has always said no, it is a sacred place and it is not for tourists. However, of late, the Khumalos have now agreed to let people visit the grave site,” he said.
He added that the Mzilikazi Memorial at Mhlahlandlela has become a focal point for tourism and cultural celebration.
“The event includes traditional performances, cultural showcases and tributes attracting local and international visitors to honour the founding father of the Ndebele nation,” said Kazembe. “It functions as a cultural hub where traditional performances and various cultural expressions are showcased, providing insight into Ndebele heritage.”
Kazembe said the NMMZ is engaging with the Khumalo family and tour operators such as Black Rhino to expand the site boundaries and improve infrastructure.
“The infrastructural developments will include custodian houses, interpretive centres, ablution facilities and water decoration,” he said. “The two sites were included in the 2026 Independence Celebration legacy projects for the drilling of boreholes.”
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