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King Mzilikazi commemorations to run for 2 days
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In a historic development, the annual King Mzilikazi commemorations will run for two days this year, marking a significant shift in the event's history.
The commemorations, organized by the Mthwakazi ka Mzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), will take place on September 5 and 6, 2025, at the King Mzilikazi Memorial Site (KoMhlahlandlela), located 22 kilometers outside Bulawayo along the Old Gwanda Road.
Lungisani Ndiweni, the Mhlahlandlela steering committee secretary, confirmed the dates and shared details about the event's theme. This year's theme is "Siqoqa Isizwe Ngamasiko" (We strengthen the nation through culture), which emphasizes the vital role of cultural heritage in nation-building.
"We invite the government of Zimbabwe, the National Chiefs Council, cultural organisations, and the general public to join us in celebrating this historic figure and his legacy," Ndiweni said.
The event will feature a cultural march from Matshobana suburb to Bulawayo City Hall via Luveve Road, celebrating the rich traditions of the Ndebele people and King Mzilikazi's historical significance.
Other highlights of the commemorations will include the participation of traditional leaders, government officials, and cultural presentations. Attendees can look forward to enjoying traditional food, beer, and various performances, all centered around King Mzilikazi's legacy.
Over 5,000 guests are expected to attend, with the guest of honor to be announced soon. The commemorations will showcase Mzilikazi's impact on the Matabele Kingdom, which later evolved into the Ndebele people, one of southern Africa's most influential groups.
Born around 1790 near Mkuze in Zululand (now KwaZulu-Natal), Mzilikazi founded a powerful empire. In his autobiography, David Livingstone, the famous explorer, referred to Mzilikazi as the second most impressive leader he encountered in Africa.
MMCA is committed to the preservation of the cultural norms, history, and heritage of the Mthwakazi nation, and this year's commemorations will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring cultural roots while strengthening the nation's unity through tradition.
The commemorations, organized by the Mthwakazi ka Mzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), will take place on September 5 and 6, 2025, at the King Mzilikazi Memorial Site (KoMhlahlandlela), located 22 kilometers outside Bulawayo along the Old Gwanda Road.
Lungisani Ndiweni, the Mhlahlandlela steering committee secretary, confirmed the dates and shared details about the event's theme. This year's theme is "Siqoqa Isizwe Ngamasiko" (We strengthen the nation through culture), which emphasizes the vital role of cultural heritage in nation-building.
"We invite the government of Zimbabwe, the National Chiefs Council, cultural organisations, and the general public to join us in celebrating this historic figure and his legacy," Ndiweni said.
The event will feature a cultural march from Matshobana suburb to Bulawayo City Hall via Luveve Road, celebrating the rich traditions of the Ndebele people and King Mzilikazi's historical significance.
Other highlights of the commemorations will include the participation of traditional leaders, government officials, and cultural presentations. Attendees can look forward to enjoying traditional food, beer, and various performances, all centered around King Mzilikazi's legacy.
Over 5,000 guests are expected to attend, with the guest of honor to be announced soon. The commemorations will showcase Mzilikazi's impact on the Matabele Kingdom, which later evolved into the Ndebele people, one of southern Africa's most influential groups.
Born around 1790 near Mkuze in Zululand (now KwaZulu-Natal), Mzilikazi founded a powerful empire. In his autobiography, David Livingstone, the famous explorer, referred to Mzilikazi as the second most impressive leader he encountered in Africa.
MMCA is committed to the preservation of the cultural norms, history, and heritage of the Mthwakazi nation, and this year's commemorations will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring cultural roots while strengthening the nation's unity through tradition.
Source - newsday
