King Mzilikazi celebration preparations on course

Preparations for the commemorations of the founding Ndebele King Mzilikazi Khumalo's death are at an advanced stage with organisers saying they were now working on travel arrangements to Mhlahlandlela, where the function will be held early next month.

King Mzilikazi is believed to have died on September 5, 1868 and was buried at Mhlahlandlela in the Matopos area.

Roger Mthethwa, the spokesperson for the organisers, said the main commemorations would be held on September 2 with family members in the United States of America set to have their function a few days earlier.

"We have made applications to the police for the procession from Mzilikazi Post Office to City Hall in the city centre."

"We want strong young men to work with us so that this procession succeeds," said Mthethwa, adding guests would then be transported to Matopos on hired buses.

"There will be transport to the venue of the celebrations from City Hall. There will be a nominal fee charged for all the other people, but senior citizens will travel for free."

"However, what we want to emphasise is the legacy of King Mzilikazi. You will realise that King Mzilikazi left Zululand at around the same time as Sotshangane and Zwangendaba. Unlike the other two, King Mzilikazi managed to keep his language. That is part of his legacy. We want to celebrate his legacy."

Historians Sabelo Gatsheni Ndlovu and Ngwana Maseko are some of the invited guests.