Rozvi descendants formalise constitution

The Manyanga Eva Rozvi/Lozwi Cultural and Community Group, an organisation dedicated to preserving the legacy of the historic Rozvi Empire, has officially adopted a constitution to guide its operations and governance.

The constitution was signed by the group's top leadership at a ceremony held in Kwekwe on October 4, marking what chairperson Mr Emmanuel Kanjoma described as a major milestone in the organisation's ongoing efforts to safeguard Rozvi heritage.

Kanjoma, a descendant of Mambo Tohwechipi — the last known Rozvi king — said the constitution was the product of months of research, consultation with members, and collaboration with legal experts. He noted that the next step would be to register the document with the Government to give it formal recognition.

"This is a historic moment for us," said Kanjoma. "We're going to continue mobilising descendants of Changamire Dombo in and outside Zimbabwe. We'll soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Museums and Monuments to gain access to Rozvi heritage sites and revive the Lozwi (Kalanga) language among our people."

The Rozvi Empire, founded by Changamire Dombo, ruled most of present-day Zimbabwe between 1660 and the late 1860s, when Mambo Tohwechipi died. His burial site at Mavangwe in Buhera, Manicaland Province, is a national monument. The empire's major capitals included Khami Ruins, Danan'ombe (formerly Dlodlo) near Shangani, Nharetare (Naletale) also near Shangani, and Manyanga (Ntaba zika Mambo) in Nkayi.

The group's new constitution establishes key governance structures, including a general assembly representing all Rozvi people, a board of trustees, and a special advisory board — described as the "final authority on all matters of strategic importance, constitutional interpretation, and internal conflict resolution."

Funding for the organisation will come from registration fees, membership subscriptions, grants, donations, and income-generating projects.

"Our people are scattered across the world, but we're saying the empire is back. All Rozvi descendants must come and register with us," Kanjoma said. "We now have a constitution that gives us clarity and direction, and we hope to work closely with the Government as we move forward."

The Manyanga Eva Rozvi/Lozwi Cultural and Community Group has been active in community and cultural initiatives, including annual Africa Day commemorations and environmental projects. In March, the group organised a tree-planting ceremony at Khami Ruins National Monument, attended by local pupils and community members.

Kanjoma also called for greater recognition of the Rozvi Empire's contribution to the struggle against colonialism, asserting that Changamire Dombo's battles against Portuguese invaders between 1860 and 1866 marked "the nation's first war of liberation."

"He drove them out of his territory up to Sofala in Mozambique after the Battle of Maungwe," Kanjoma said. "We believe this was the first liberation war fought by the people of Zimbabwe, and we'll engage authorities to ensure it is formally acknowledged and celebrated."

Group public relations officer Mr Enersio Takambani Chidobera added that the organisation would operate within the framework of Zimbabwe's Constitution.

"While the current Constitution does not recognise a king, we intend to engage the Government in future discussions on that matter," Chidobera said. "Our mission is to reunite the Rozvi Empire, preserve its history, and advance the interests of its descendants in partnership with the state."