Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has challenged communities to turn King Mzilikazi’s legacy and cultural heritage into opportunities for job creation, tourism, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
Speaking during the King Mzilikazi commemorations on Saturday, Nguluvhe, who was the guest of honour, said the annual event should go beyond celebrating the past and inspire communities to use their cultural heritage to build a better future.
“I commend all cultural organisations for your work with the schools and youth groups,” he said.
“Let the story of King Mzilikazi inspire entrepreneurship, discipline, courage and service. Let our culture be a source of jobs, tourism, innovation, not something we leave behind.”
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Nguluvhe said government could not preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage alone, acknowledging the role played by traditional leaders, cultural organisations and the Khumalo family.
“To our traditional leaders, cultural organisations and Khumalo family, thank you for keeping the fire burning. Government cannot build a nation alone. We need your wisdom to guide us,” he said.
He also called for greater efforts to document and teach what he described as the correct history and culture of the people of Matabeleland.
“We need cultural issues to document and teach correct history. Let’s write the correct history of our people. Let’s teach our people the correct culture,” Nguluvhe said.
The minister urged communities to take practical steps to preserve their heritage by protecting heritage sites, promoting the Ndebele language and supporting local cultural groups and artists.
“To the people of Matabeleland South and the nation at large, let us use these commemorations to recommit ourselves. Let us preserve our heritage sites, speak our language at home, support local clubs and artists and live the values that made our communities strong,” he said.
Nguluvhe said the Mzilikazi heritage site had the potential to become a major tourism attraction and contribute to the local economy if properly developed and promoted.
“This is a very important site which we can utilise to bring more tourists to this place,” he said.
He challenged communities to consider their own contribution to nation-building, drawing a link between Mzilikazi’s legacy and the responsibilities of present-day generations.
“As we honour King Mzilikazi today, let us not only remember what he built, but ask ourselves, what are we building today? Are we building with integrity? Are we building together? Are we building a nation that our children and grandchildren would respect and inherit?” he said.
Nguluvhe said the commemorations should result in renewed efforts to protect cultural heritage, strengthen communities and ensure young people benefit from development.
“Let us therefore leave this gathering with a renewed commitment to protect our heritage, safeguard our communities, empower our youth and ensure that development reaches our people, while respecting who we are,” he said.
The commemorations brought together traditional leaders, cultural organisations, members of the Khumalo family and community members to honour the legacy of King Mzilikazi, whose role in the history and formation of the Ndebele state continues to be commemorated in Matabeleland and beyond.
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