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King Mzilikazi sites included in 2026 Independence legacy projects
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The government has announced plans to include heritage sites linked to King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation, in the 2026 Independence Celebration legacy projects - a programme that will see the preservation of key cultural landmarks and the drilling of boreholes to support tourism and conservation efforts.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe revealed the development while responding to questions in the Senate regarding the recognition and protection of national monuments.
He said the initiative formed part of a broader drive to safeguard and promote Zimbabwe's historical and cultural heritage.
"Particularly the liberation heritage preservation, interpretation and presentation through the vibrant liberation war heritage memorialisation programme and new heritage centres have been developed, for example, at Pupu in Lupane, which was commissioned by His Excellency the President," Kazembe said.
He added that several other heritage sites - including Kamungoma in Gutu, the Butcher site in Rusape, Dzapasi in Buhera, Mutapa Hall, Sikombela, Hwahwa and Connemara Prisons in the Midlands - were being revitalised due to their significance in documenting Zimbabwe's journey to independence.
New heritage projects have also been planned at Altena Farm in Muzarabani and the Chinhoyi 7 Memorial, with 14 new national monuments declared in 2024.
"Among the newly declared sites are significant landmarks linked to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, such as Matumba 6, Gonakudzingwa Restriction Camp and Altena Farm," he said. "These declarations mark a pivotal moment in safeguarding Zimbabwe's legacy aimed at promoting national identity, heritage tourism and cultural education."
Kazembe confirmed that King Mzilikazi's grave, located at Entumbane along Old Gwanda Road, remains one of the country's oldest protected monuments.
"King Mzilikazi's grave is officially recognised as a National Monument, Number 41, declared in 1942 under Section 9 of the Monuments and Relics Act," he said.
He also highlighted the historical importance of the King Mzilikazi Memorial at Mhlahlandlela - declared in 1941 - which stands on the site of the King's former royal town and is a central symbol of Ndebele cultural identity.
"The memorial stood in the shade of the indaba tree under which Mzilikazi sat in council," said Kazembe. "It carries the inscription: ‘Mzilikazi, son of Matshobane, the Matebele hail you. The mountain fell down on 5th September, 1868. All nations acclaimed the son of Matshobane, bayete.'"
The minister said the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) was collaborating with the Khumalo royal family and local communities to develop a broader "Mzilikazi Legacy Trail," which would include the graves of Queen Lozua and Queen Lozikeyi.
"In 2024, NMMZ submitted proclamation dossiers for Queen Lozua and Queen Lozikeyi's graves. It also participates in the yearly commemorations held at Mhlahlandlela, King Mzilikazi memorial, Queen Kadade and Queen Lozikeyi," he said.
Kazembe noted that while King Mzilikazi's grave had traditionally been closed to tourists due to its sacred status, the Khumalo family had recently agreed to open it to visitors.
"The family has always said no, it is a sacred place and it is not for tourists. However, of late, the Khumalos have now agreed to let people visit the gravesite," he said.
He added that the Mzilikazi Memorial at Mhlahlandlela had grown into a major site of cultural celebration, attracting both local and international visitors.
"The event includes traditional performances, cultural showcases and tributes honouring the founding father of the Ndebele nation," Kazembe said. "It functions as a cultural hub where traditional performances and various cultural expressions are showcased, providing insight into Ndebele heritage."
Kazembe also revealed that NMMZ, in partnership with tour operators such as Black Rhino, is expanding the site boundaries and improving facilities.
"The infrastructural developments will include custodian houses, interpretive centres, ablution facilities and water decoration," he said. "The two sites were included in the 2026 Independence Celebration legacy projects for the drilling of boreholes."
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe revealed the development while responding to questions in the Senate regarding the recognition and protection of national monuments.
He said the initiative formed part of a broader drive to safeguard and promote Zimbabwe's historical and cultural heritage.
"Particularly the liberation heritage preservation, interpretation and presentation through the vibrant liberation war heritage memorialisation programme and new heritage centres have been developed, for example, at Pupu in Lupane, which was commissioned by His Excellency the President," Kazembe said.
He added that several other heritage sites - including Kamungoma in Gutu, the Butcher site in Rusape, Dzapasi in Buhera, Mutapa Hall, Sikombela, Hwahwa and Connemara Prisons in the Midlands - were being revitalised due to their significance in documenting Zimbabwe's journey to independence.
New heritage projects have also been planned at Altena Farm in Muzarabani and the Chinhoyi 7 Memorial, with 14 new national monuments declared in 2024.
"Among the newly declared sites are significant landmarks linked to Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, such as Matumba 6, Gonakudzingwa Restriction Camp and Altena Farm," he said. "These declarations mark a pivotal moment in safeguarding Zimbabwe's legacy aimed at promoting national identity, heritage tourism and cultural education."
Kazembe confirmed that King Mzilikazi's grave, located at Entumbane along Old Gwanda Road, remains one of the country's oldest protected monuments.
"King Mzilikazi's grave is officially recognised as a National Monument, Number 41, declared in 1942 under Section 9 of the Monuments and Relics Act," he said.
He also highlighted the historical importance of the King Mzilikazi Memorial at Mhlahlandlela - declared in 1941 - which stands on the site of the King's former royal town and is a central symbol of Ndebele cultural identity.
"The memorial stood in the shade of the indaba tree under which Mzilikazi sat in council," said Kazembe. "It carries the inscription: ‘Mzilikazi, son of Matshobane, the Matebele hail you. The mountain fell down on 5th September, 1868. All nations acclaimed the son of Matshobane, bayete.'"
The minister said the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) was collaborating with the Khumalo royal family and local communities to develop a broader "Mzilikazi Legacy Trail," which would include the graves of Queen Lozua and Queen Lozikeyi.
"In 2024, NMMZ submitted proclamation dossiers for Queen Lozua and Queen Lozikeyi's graves. It also participates in the yearly commemorations held at Mhlahlandlela, King Mzilikazi memorial, Queen Kadade and Queen Lozikeyi," he said.
Kazembe noted that while King Mzilikazi's grave had traditionally been closed to tourists due to its sacred status, the Khumalo family had recently agreed to open it to visitors.
"The family has always said no, it is a sacred place and it is not for tourists. However, of late, the Khumalos have now agreed to let people visit the gravesite," he said.
He added that the Mzilikazi Memorial at Mhlahlandlela had grown into a major site of cultural celebration, attracting both local and international visitors.
"The event includes traditional performances, cultural showcases and tributes honouring the founding father of the Ndebele nation," Kazembe said. "It functions as a cultural hub where traditional performances and various cultural expressions are showcased, providing insight into Ndebele heritage."
Kazembe also revealed that NMMZ, in partnership with tour operators such as Black Rhino, is expanding the site boundaries and improving facilities.
"The infrastructural developments will include custodian houses, interpretive centres, ablution facilities and water decoration," he said. "The two sites were included in the 2026 Independence Celebration legacy projects for the drilling of boreholes."
Source - CITE
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