Ndebele King claimant disrupts Anglo-Ndebele war commemorations

Controversy has erupted surrounding the recent 1893 Anglo-Ndebele war commemorations, with Bulelani Khumalo, a claimant to the Ndebele kingship, accused of trying to disrupt the event by demanding a special chair for himself.

The commemorations, held at the Gadade Memorial Site in Matabeleland North on November 9, 2024, were organized by the Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi to honor the thousands of Ndebele warriors who lost their lives resisting the invasion of their land by Cecil John Rhodes' Pioneer Column. The site is home to the graves of many of these gallant fighters.

However, tensions arose when Khumalo arrived at the event and was escorted by traditional regiments, known as Amabutho, to the VIP tent, where they set up a personalized chair for him. This move was met with disapproval by the event organizers.

Siphosenkosi Khuma, spokesperson for the Women, Law and Traditional Affairs under Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, expressed her concern over the incident. "We wish to express our concerns regarding Amabutho's behavior during the Gadade commemorations," Khuma said. "It was observed that they escorted Mr. Bulelani Khumalo with his own chair to the dignitaries’ tent, even though we had provided chairs for everyone."

Khuma warned Khumalo against disrupting future events, emphasizing that the commemorations were meant to honor the fallen warriors, not to elevate any individual. "These commemorations are meant to honor the gallant sons who perished in the battle, not to elevate any individual above others. We are not involved in the kingship wrangle and do not support any particular claimant."

Khumalo responded to the allegations, insisting that he did not intend to cause disruption. "We have some people who are against the king, and the chair issue is just an excuse," he said. He denied that he was attempting to steal the show, stating that his actions were not meant to overshadow the commemorations.

The Ndebele kingship has long been a subject of dispute, with several individuals, including Khumalo, laying claim to the title. The issue of kingship has remained unresolved since the death of King Lobengula, the last Ndebele monarch, in 1894.

The commemorations, which have been held annually since 2011, aim to honor the memory of those who fought against the British colonial forces during the 1893 Anglo-Ndebele war. On November 1, 1893, the Pioneer Column defeated the Ndebele kingdom, killing thousands of warriors. The event is seen as a significant reminder of the Ndebele people’s resistance to colonial invasion.