News / Local
Mphoko blasted over Ndebele monarchy
18 Nov 2015 at 00:18hrs | Views
THE recently registered Mambo Trust says it is opposed to the installation of a new Ndebele king, which is expected to be done within the next 12 months.
The new group, advocating for the Mambo dynasty, says it will not allow a king to be installed without its involvement and concurrence.
Mike Moyo, chairperson of the Mambo Trust, said they were not amused by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko's recent comments, supporting the Khumalo clan's desire to install a new Ndebele king to succeed the late King Lobengula.
"We have invited historians and senior citizens who know our history," he said.
"The Khumalo clan cannot dictate the pace and make such bold statements that they are almost through [with selecting a new king] and they are only waiting for the government to finalise their wish."
The trust claims at least 90% of the people of Matabeleland were either Rozvi or Lozwi and they had to have a say in the creation of any monarchy.
Moyo said a consultative meeting will be held at the weekend at Stanley Square, where historians will share their knowledge about the Mambo dynasty and its role in the region.
Historians expected to be part of the meeting include Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu, Phathisa Nyathi and academics from the University of Botswana.
Moyo said Mambo was killed in 1830 by Zwangendaba's group and they have been in the country for centuries. He said the Mzilikazi group only arrived 54 years later, after the death of Mambo.
Mphoko was recently quoted saying he supported the restoration of the Ndebele monarchy.
"I can tell you today, the issue of having our king in place is being discussed at a very high level and nearing conclusion, which should be done soon and we will be back here to coronate the king before the next Mzilikazi commemorations," he said recently.
Mzilikazi celebrations are held annually in September.
The new group, advocating for the Mambo dynasty, says it will not allow a king to be installed without its involvement and concurrence.
Mike Moyo, chairperson of the Mambo Trust, said they were not amused by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko's recent comments, supporting the Khumalo clan's desire to install a new Ndebele king to succeed the late King Lobengula.
"We have invited historians and senior citizens who know our history," he said.
"The Khumalo clan cannot dictate the pace and make such bold statements that they are almost through [with selecting a new king] and they are only waiting for the government to finalise their wish."
The trust claims at least 90% of the people of Matabeleland were either Rozvi or Lozwi and they had to have a say in the creation of any monarchy.
Moyo said a consultative meeting will be held at the weekend at Stanley Square, where historians will share their knowledge about the Mambo dynasty and its role in the region.
Historians expected to be part of the meeting include Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu, Phathisa Nyathi and academics from the University of Botswana.
Moyo said Mambo was killed in 1830 by Zwangendaba's group and they have been in the country for centuries. He said the Mzilikazi group only arrived 54 years later, after the death of Mambo.
Mphoko was recently quoted saying he supported the restoration of the Ndebele monarchy.
"I can tell you today, the issue of having our king in place is being discussed at a very high level and nearing conclusion, which should be done soon and we will be back here to coronate the king before the next Mzilikazi commemorations," he said recently.
Mzilikazi celebrations are held annually in September.
Source - Southern Eye
