The Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA) is appealing for assistance as they prepare for the upcoming King Mzilikazi Day Commemorations.
The event, marking the 156th anniversary of King Mzilikazi’s death, will be held on September 7, 2024, in Mhlahlandlela on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
Speaking on Asakhe Civic Forum, one of the event organisers, Arnold Nkala, appealed for food and transportation due to the growing number of attendees.
“We need food and buses as more people attend the event each year. We also urgently need financial assistance,” he said.
Nkala, however, stressed the need for sustainable projects to support future commemorations.
“In the long term, MMCA needs to move away from relying on donations year after year. This approach is not sustainable, as there may come a time when assistance is not available. We hope to receive support from the corporate sector and other stakeholders to help us develop projects to sustain us and end the culture of begging,” he explained.
He also shared the association’s vision for the future: “We have many projects in mind. We wish to develop the site into a complex that generates its revenue. One day, we hope to sell food at the event as a form of investment.”
Nkala extended his appeal to those in the diaspora, urging them to contribute financially to ensure the event’s success.
“This day has grown significantly and is now celebrated in the United Arab Emirates, UK, USA, and South Africa. The event has become so large that one day is really too short—it now deserves a whole week. We appeal to musicians and promoters to see this as an opportunity for a festival, as the event is now beyond our capacity,” he said.
Another organiser, Marvellous Gama, called on the government to assist in the event’s growth.
“We also appeal to the government and the Permanent Secretary of Arts and Culture to help us expand this event. We’ve noticed that there are cultural subjects in schools, and it would be beneficial for them to collaborate with us. We are ready and waiting for their involvement,” said Gama.
Gama also urged the corporate sector to assist MMCA in developing their stand in Mbundane, which would contribute to the sustainability of the Mzilikazi Day Commemorations.
“This is a huge task, but it will be easier if we all come together, whether someone is in Ireland or elsewhere. To the corporate sector and everyone, there is a residential stand in Mbundane that needs development, and we need your help,” he said.
