Restoration of Ndebele traditional leadership: Cultural revival, not political resistance

By Luckson Ndlovu

In recent years, the cultural revival of the Ndebele nation has sparked spirited discussions across Zimbabwe and beyond. Central to this renaissance is the annual commemoration of King Mzilikazi Day, held every September at the historic Old Mhlahlandlela site near Bulawayo.

The event, with its dazzling displays of amabutho (traditional regiments) in full regalia, has captured widespread attention. While some celebrate these efforts as a rediscovery of identity and heritage, others dismiss them as political resistance masked as cultural activism.

To fully appreciate the essence of this movement, it is important to separate the restoration of traditional Ndebele leadership from any accusations of political subversion. At its core, the revival is about cultural preservation, unity, and empowerment—offering tangible benefits to Mthwakazi society, the Zimbabwean nation, and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC).

A Solution to Modern Challenges

The restoration agenda extends beyond pageantry. It has practical initiatives aimed at addressing contemporary issues. For instance, training programs for young Ndebele maidens emphasize preserving their virginity, not as a relic of tradition, but as a direct response to the HIV/AIDS crisis devastating the region. By grounding such interventions in cultural practices, the Ndebele nation demonstrates how traditional leadership can provide solutions to modern challenges.

Moreover, traditional leadership offers a platform for political neutrality and unity. Zimbabwe is one of the most politically polarized nations in the region, where citizens often struggle to reconcile divergent political views. Under the stewardship of traditional leaders, communities have been able to coexist peacefully, united by shared cultural values rather than divided by party politics.

Avoiding the Political Minefield

Despite these noble efforts, some sceptics view the restoration of Ndebele leadership through a political lens, particularly given Mthwakazi’s geographic and historical context. However, to conflate cultural revival with political resistance is both misleading and dangerous. Traditional leadership must steer clear of partisan affiliations to ensure it remains a unifying force. Any attempt to politicize the restoration would risk alienating large segments of the Ndebele community, including those aligned with Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, and other political formations.

History offers valuable lessons. In 1968, during the height of apartheid in South Africa, King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu ascended to the Zulu throne. Despite the political turbulence surrounding him, the King chose to collaborate with the government of the day to address the immediate needs of his subjects. He refrained from aligning with any political movement, including his nephew Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), recognizing that such an alliance could have had disastrous long-term consequences.

Had King Zwelithini taken sides, his kingdom would have faced irreparable challenges when political power shifted in 1994. His strategic decision to remain apolitical not only safeguarded the Zulu monarchy but also secured opportunities for his people in a post-apartheid South Africa.

A Lesson for Mthwakazi

Mthwakazi’s situation is distinct but not without parallels. Today’s cultural revolution is unfolding under a black-led government, making it critical for the restoration of Ndebele traditional leadership to transcend political affiliations. The movement includes individuals from ZANU-PF, opposition parties, and even radical groups like the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP), which advocates for secession.

For traditional leadership to alienate itself from the ruling government or endorse any political formation—whether moderate or radical—would be a grave misstep. Instead, the fight for the restoration of Ndebele traditional leadership must galvanize political will across the spectrum, with particular emphasis on engaging the governing party.

This is not about rejecting or resisting the government; it is about working alongside it. Collaboration ensures that the restoration movement can achieve its goals without alienating potential allies or endangering the broader Ndebele community.

Cultural Revival, Not Resistance

The restoration of Ndebele traditional leadership is not a declaration of war against the state but a call to preserve a rich heritage and empower a community to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwean society. It is about reclaiming a history shattered by colonialism and using it as a foundation for addressing modern challenges.

In embracing the lessons of history and prioritizing unity over division, the Ndebele nation can successfully revive its traditional leadership without succumbing to political distractions. To label this movement as political resistance is to misunderstand its true essence. This is a cultural revival, one that seeks to uplift the people of Mthwakazi and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive Zimbabwe.

The path forward is clear: traditional leadership must remain above partisan politics, focusing instead on the welfare and cultural preservation of the Ndebele people. In doing so, it will fulfil its purpose as a unifying force and ensure its rightful place in the nation’s future.

Luckson Ndlovu is a cultural commentator and advocate for heritage preservation in Zimbabwe, he writes in his own capacity.