Ndiweni wades into Ndebele 'king' storm

The recent meeting between Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and the one of the claimants of the Ndebele monarch King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo has sparked intense controversy, drawing sharp reactions from both government officials and cultural revivalists. The symbolic meeting, held on April 21 at the mayoral parlour, has ignited a debate surrounding identity, legitimacy, and historical justice.

For many Ndebele cultural activists, the meeting was hailed as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the region's royal legacy. However, it has not been without opposition. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe swiftly condemned the move, labeling it "unlawful and wrongful." He further dismissed King Khumalo as a "pseudo character," arguing that under Zimbabwe's constitution, traditional leaders can only be recognized by the president, with advice from the provincial assembly of chiefs.

In a response to Garwe's condemnation, former Ntabazinduna Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has weighed in, rejecting the government's position. Ndiweni emphasized that the Ndebele people do not need the validation of the state for their monarchy.

"We, the owners of that monarchy, the Ndebele nation, did not have to ask permission from the government of the day in order to have a monarch," Ndiweni declared. "That monarchy is ours."

King Khumalo, who was enthroned in a secret ceremony on September 28, 2018, in a bid to shield the traditional leadership from state interference, has garnered widespread support across the region. Ndiweni defends the secrecy surrounding the enthronement, highlighting that monarchies around the world often begin with secret rituals before their public announcement.

"Just because the enthronement was done in secret does not mean it is not proper," Ndiweni explained. "Monarchies across the world - from SADC to the United Kingdom - often begin with secret rituals before they are publicly announced."

Ndiweni further asserted that King Khumalo's legitimacy has been recognized not only within Zimbabwe but also by other African royal houses, the African Union, and even the United Nations. This assertion underscores a deep-seated grievance over cultural erasure and historical marginalization of the Ndebele people.

"The heart of the matter lies in the symbolic significance of Bulawayo itself," Ndiweni said. "Bulawayo is the Royal City of the House of Khumalo. As such, that meeting had to occur."

For Ndiweni, the meeting between Coltart and King Khumalo represents the first step toward reconnecting Bulawayo with its royal heritage. He applauded the mayor for his courage and called for the formalization of the relationship between the city and the Royal House Khumalo through devolution and cultural revival.

"I must applaud the sitting mayor, Coltart, for having the bravery and the courage to do such a thing," Ndiweni said.

In his vision, the city of Bulawayo will eventually need to establish a permanent royal residence, as part of the broader process of devolution that would allow for a formalized relationship between the city and the Ndebele monarchy. This move, Ndiweni argues, would bolster the cultural identity of the region and contribute to the revival of Ndebele traditions.

"With devolution, the relationship between the City of Bulawayo and the Royal House Khumalo will be formalized," Ndiweni noted. "We are heading in the right direction. We must remain focused on the main issue - we have a reigning monarch, and he is beginning to re-engage with his ancestral home."

While the Zimbabwean constitution is clear on the appointment of traditional leaders, it is silent on the recognition of monarchies. Ndiweni pointed out that the silence on monarchies in the constitution has often been misinterpreted.

"The Zimbabwean law does not prohibit a monarchy. There is not one sentence in the constitution that says you are not allowed a monarchy," he said, referencing a previous ruling by the Bulawayo High Court that confirmed the absence of any legal prohibition on monarchies.

He further criticized the response from Minister Garwe and the Local Government Ministry, which he described as politically motivated rather than grounded in legal principles. "We question its legitimacy. Everything about it indicates this was political correspondence, not a legal one," Ndiweni stated.

Beyond politics and legal battles, Ndiweni envisions the revival of the Ndebele monarchy as a potential driver of economic growth, particularly through cultural tourism. He believes that Bulawayo, which has long been known as the "City of Kings," has a unique opportunity to capitalize on its royal heritage.

"Bulawayo has a huge amount to gain from this relationship," Ndiweni emphasized. "We are the only city in Zimbabwe that can authentically claim to be the City of Kings and Queens."

In his vision for the future, Ndiweni sees events like Inxwala and Mhlahlandlela attracting cultural tourists to the city and strengthening community pride, all under the banner of a re-established Ndebele monarchy.

"The revival of the monarchy is not just about history, it is about a new future for Bulawayo," he said.

As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its stance on the legitimacy of the Ndebele monarchy or if cultural revivalists like Ndiweni and King Khumalo will succeed in their push for recognition. For now, however, it is clear that the conversation surrounding identity, historical justice, and the Ndebele people's royal heritage is far from over.