Published: 6 hours ago

Calls to develop the King Mzilikazi shrine in Mhlahlandlela intensified at the weekend after thousands attended this year's commemorations, with traditional leaders praising the event's unifying spirit but urging urgent improvements to infrastructure, organisation and government support.

Chiefs partnering with the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), organisers of the event, described the shrine just outside Bulawayo as a fast-growing cultural platform honouring King Mzilikazi's legacy as a nation builder. However, they warned that without proper facilities and state recognition, the historic site risked "being left behind."

Running under the theme "Siqoqa Isizwe Ngamasiko – We Strengthen the Nation Through Culture," this year's commemorations drew participants from across Zimbabwe as well as South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. For the first time, the programme stretched over two days, with the opening day dedicated to schoolchildren from Matabeleland North and South who showcased Ndebele heritage.

The festivities featured amatshitshi (maidens), ibutho regiments, poets and praise singers, while the business community provided support through sponsorships and mobile health clinics on-site.

Chief Mayenga Fuyane of Maphisa hailed the surge in attendance and sponsorship.
"Today's event is better than last year's. People came in large numbers and we saw many sponsor banners. The committee and chiefs also provided stands for food vendors," he said. He commended the inclusion of amatshitshi from across the country as "a sign of unity," but criticised the lack of parking and poor seating arrangements, which left some chiefs without chairs.

Chief Mathema of Enqameni in Gwanda North echoed the praise for growing numbers but lamented poor scheduling, saying chiefs were introduced late in the day when "many people were already drunk," diluting the significance of their message.

Prince McLeod Isolengwe Tshawe of Mbembesi, representing the Xhosa community, applauded the event's growth but decried the shrine's poor state.
"If you look at the access roads, they are not good at all. This place should be a tourist attraction, and it could even surpass the Rhodes shrine in Matopos. Mzilikazi is recognised across Africa, so this shrine deserves better," he said, urging government recognition and investment.

Chief Mafala Matshazi of Zvishavane called on young people to carry forward Mzilikazi's legacy. "Two hundred years ago, King Mzilikazi had a vision to create a lasting nation. By coming here today, we are fulfilling that vision," he said.

International participants also emphasised the event's growing stature. Thokozani Fana Khumalo, chairperson of AmaNtungwa kaMbulazi International from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, said the commemorations were "steadily gaining international prominence," while spokesperson Jabulani Zakhela Khumalo described the rituals and prayers as "deeply moving" and unlike any other cultural event.

Several chiefs including Siphoso, Gampu, Menyezwa, Nyangazonke, Bidi and Dakamela attended, alongside Members of Parliament from Bulawayo, Hwange and Nkayi.

Despite challenges, leaders agreed the commemorations are fast becoming a continental cultural gathering, but stressed that the shrine requires urgent development to match its historical significance.
- Cite

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