Govt urged to spruce-up King Mzilikazi monuments

The descendants of King Mzilikazi have called on the government to rehabilitate and maintain monuments that were established to honour the late Ndebele king.

The three monuments which are situated on the outskirts of Bulawayo are Mhlahlandlela, Old Bulawayo and Entumbane which is the king's grave.

One of the descendants of King Mzilikazi, Mr Leo Zulukandaba Khumalo told the ZBC News that the clan is disturbed by the abandonment of the sites even though they carry historical significance.

"Plans to turn the sites into tourist attractions should be done in liaison with the family members who are suggesting guided tourism especially at the king's grave which is viewed as sacred in the Ndebele culture," he said.

The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs, Abednico Ncube, who toured the sites, said he will take the matter up with the relevant authorities.

King Mzilikazi who died on the 5th of September 1868 is the founder of the Ndebele kingdom.

He led his followers to present day Zimbabwe at the height of the Mfecane in South Africa.

He was succeeded by his son, Lobengula who was later deposed by the colonialists.