Schoolchildren and community members gathered at Mhlahlandlela, on the outskirts of Bulawayo, on Friday for the start of the annual commemorations honouring King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation.
The two-day event, drew schools from across Matabeleland North and South to celebrate cultural heritage and reflect on the origins of the Ndebele people.
Speakers at the memorial stressed the importance of teaching younger generations accurate accounts of their history. Sipho Gama, of the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association, said many pupils grow up with misconceptions about their heritage.
“We want to teach the children the real history of our heritage. The original Mhlahlandlela is out of town, not in Bulawayo. It is an important historical site that connects us to our past and is also where King Mzilikazi was buried,” Gama said.
He also criticised false narratives taught in some schools about King Lobengula, Mzilikazi’s successor, particularly claims that land was sold cheaply to colonial settlers.
“Lobengula did not sell this land for sugar, beads or blankets. These are myths designed to devalue our heritage. What happened was deception and manipulation by colonists through fraudulent treaties,” he said.
Another speaker, Nobokhosi Mahlangu, called on the youth to reconnect with their roots. “In Zimbabwe, we inherited the language but lost the culture. In other countries, people still have both. It’s time we bring back what we lost,” she said.
The commemorations featured traditional dances, poetry and songs celebrating Mzilikazi’s leadership and the Ndebele kingdom’s migration across southern Africa.
Community elder Jabulani Khumalo said such events ensured history was preserved for future generations. “Our history was not written by us. If we do not speak up, our children will grow up not knowing who they are,” he said.
The commemorations will continue on Saturday with a march from Matshobana to the Large City Hall and the main celebrations at Mhlahlandlela.
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Woooow this is great n it shows that we are Nguni. Tell these Dudula guys to go and read their history propery, its pathetic to hear Africans dehumanising each other but they are scare of Boers OMG 😭😭😭
Woooow this is great n it shows that we are Nguni. Tell these Dudula guys to go and read their history propery, its pathetic to hear Africans dehumanising each other but they are scare of Boers OMG 😭😭😭
Woooow this is great n it shows that we are Nguni. Tell these Dudula guys to go and read their history propery, its pathetic to hear Africans dehumanising each other but they are scare of Boers OMG 😭😭😭