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Ndebele King claimant set for historic UK visit
2 hrs ago |
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Former Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni says Ndebele monarch King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo is set to undertake a historic visit to the United Kingdom, marking what he describes as the first engagement between a Ndebele king and British authorities in more than a century.
Ndiweni, who was dethroned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2019 and later left Zimbabwe for the United Kingdom following his legal challenges, said the visit represents a significant step in the revival and recognition of the Ndebele royal house.
He said the monarchy, which lost its sovereignty after the colonial defeat of the Ndebele Kingdom in 1893, has now been revived through the private coronation of King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo in September 2018.
"The royal house now is formalised, it's now working, it's now operational. It's been eight years now since our monarch was coronated in a private ceremony," Ndiweni said in a video address.
He added that King Bulelani has been engaging with various international platforms and traditional leadership structures across Africa and beyond.
"Our monarch has travelled far and wide, has engaged many, and has taken part in programmes rolled out by the African Union and the United Nations," he said.
According to Ndiweni, the king has also established relations with several African monarchies, including engagements with traditional leaders in countries such as Zambia and South Africa, and recently interacted with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Ndiweni announced that he would accompany the monarch on the planned United Kingdom visit, which he described as a landmark diplomatic and cultural moment for the Ndebele royal house.
"Tonight I'm here announcing a journey that is now about to begin whereby we will escort His Royal Majesty Bulelani Khumalo to the United Kingdom, where he will begin engagements," he said.
He said the visit would include private meetings with members of the Ndebele community living in the UK, as well as potential engagements with other stakeholders.
"The last occasion a Ndebele monarch engaged with any part of the United Kingdom government was 133 years ago, 1893 to be precise," Ndiweni said.
The planned visit comes amid ongoing disputes over the Ndebele kingship, which is currently contested by multiple claimants, including Stanley Raphael Khumalo, Mcijwana Khumalo and Peter Zwide Khumalo.
Despite the competing claims, Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo has been gaining visibility among supporters, though questions remain over the legal and official recognition of the revived monarchy, particularly given that he is a South African citizen by registration and residence.
The announcement is expected to further intensify debate around traditional leadership, historical succession and cultural restoration within the Ndebele community and beyond.
Ndiweni, who was dethroned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2019 and later left Zimbabwe for the United Kingdom following his legal challenges, said the visit represents a significant step in the revival and recognition of the Ndebele royal house.
He said the monarchy, which lost its sovereignty after the colonial defeat of the Ndebele Kingdom in 1893, has now been revived through the private coronation of King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo in September 2018.
"The royal house now is formalised, it's now working, it's now operational. It's been eight years now since our monarch was coronated in a private ceremony," Ndiweni said in a video address.
He added that King Bulelani has been engaging with various international platforms and traditional leadership structures across Africa and beyond.
"Our monarch has travelled far and wide, has engaged many, and has taken part in programmes rolled out by the African Union and the United Nations," he said.
According to Ndiweni, the king has also established relations with several African monarchies, including engagements with traditional leaders in countries such as Zambia and South Africa, and recently interacted with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
"Tonight I'm here announcing a journey that is now about to begin whereby we will escort His Royal Majesty Bulelani Khumalo to the United Kingdom, where he will begin engagements," he said.
He said the visit would include private meetings with members of the Ndebele community living in the UK, as well as potential engagements with other stakeholders.
"The last occasion a Ndebele monarch engaged with any part of the United Kingdom government was 133 years ago, 1893 to be precise," Ndiweni said.
The planned visit comes amid ongoing disputes over the Ndebele kingship, which is currently contested by multiple claimants, including Stanley Raphael Khumalo, Mcijwana Khumalo and Peter Zwide Khumalo.
Despite the competing claims, Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo has been gaining visibility among supporters, though questions remain over the legal and official recognition of the revived monarchy, particularly given that he is a South African citizen by registration and residence.
The announcement is expected to further intensify debate around traditional leadership, historical succession and cultural restoration within the Ndebele community and beyond.
Source - Southern Eye
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