Nkosentsha Khumalo
A pilgrimage of cultural and spiritual significance has ensued, King Munhumutapa and his Royal retinue, including Chief Bekezela Bhekimpi Nyathi are set to embark on a spiritual journey to the ancient and revered shrines of Matabeleland region this week.
The purpose of the spiritual journey is to ensure that the practices and ceremonies conducted at these sacred sites continue to be adhered through traditional customs, and to pay homage to the spirits that dwell within these hallowed grounds.
In a letter written by Zanu-Pf to the Director of National Museums and National Monuments, a Munyikwa, the Party’s Department of Gender and Culture recommended that Munhumutapa and his spiritual advisors be granted clearance to conduct national rituals at Matopos and Great Zimbabwe Monuments.
The spiritual advisors accompanying Munhumutapa included in the letter are Amos Jacha, Claudius Nyashanu Choga and Masimba Rubatika.
In response to the letter from Zanu-Pf Headquarters, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority granted King Munhumutapa and the Chiefs permission to conduct the national rituals at Matopos and Great Zimbabwe monuments.
The spiritual journey, steeped in ancient traditions, seeks to maintain the sanctity of these mystical places and their keepers.
King Munhumutapa, accompanied by his Royal entourage, will visit several of these sacred sites, including the legendary Njelele, the formidable Ntabazikamambo, the mystical Great Zimbabwe, the revered Manyanga, the auspicious Danamombe, the enigmatic Dulabadzimu, and the serene Bedza near Matobo.
The main targeted big spiritual sites include Tokwana, where there is Luswingo in Plumtree and Manyangwa, Nebana in Gokwe.
As part of their mission to preserve and promote Rozvi history and culture, King Munhumutapa and his chief spokesperson, Chief Nyathi, will also be visiting schools in Matabeleland region.
Their goal is to educate students on the rich history of the Munhumutapa State and its importance in Zimbabwean culture.
In Mashonaland, the King and his entourage have already visited over 50 schools, sharing their knowledge about the Rozvi people and their traditions.
This momentous pilgrimage comes after a legal battle that raged on for years. In 2022, the High Court of Zimbabwe ruled in favour of Timothy Chiminya’s claim to the throne of the Rozvi Kingdom on a default judgement.
The victory came after the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, failed to appear in court to contest Chiminya’s claim.
Prior to this decision, the government had also dismissed Chiminya’s claim as a sham.
Minister Garwe had cited in his statement that the Ministry would like to advise the public that the Zimbabwean Constitution does not have a provision for Kingship, hence Chiminya’s claim is unconstitutional and therefore a nullity.
Despite his triumph in court, King Munhumutapa has not been immune to challenges to his authority.
Another claimant, Mike Moyo, emerged, staking his own claim to the throne as “King Mambo.” This claim was met with skepticism from some sections of the public, who questioned the validity of both claimants’ titles.
Yet despite the controversy surrounding these competing claims, King Munhumutapa has pressed on with his vision of reviving Rozvi traditions and restoring the Kingdom’s rightful place in Zimbabwean culture.
One of King Munhumutapa’s strongest allies has been Chief Bekezela Bhekimpi Nyathi, who initially supported King Mambo before switching allegiance to Chiminya. Despite having initially backed Moyo, Chief Nyathi now believes that Chiminya is indeed the rightful heir to the Rozvi throne, a fact he attests to be based on extensive historical research and consultation with traditional elders.
When speaking with Zim GBC News King Munhumutapa emphasized the necessity of reviving traditional customs and rituals, such as brewing beer for the ancestors, to ensure harmony and blessings from the spiritual world.
Chief Nyathi, representing the Ndebele people, will play a vital role in translating and interpreting the rituals during their journey.
King Munhumutapa also expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for allowing him to revive and promote the Rozvi heritage.
Chief Nyathi, King Munhumutapa’s Spokesperson during an interview said,
“Some of these spiritual shrines are well-kept, but others need to be revived to maintain their shape and function. These sacred places are integral to the growth and spirituality of our beautiful country, each with its own unique purpose and significance.
“It is offensive to our Rozvi/Lozwi culture and spirits when these shrines are neglected and not cared for by shrine keepers. Family members fighting for control of these sacred sites as if they were personal property is a distressing occurrence that pains me deeply.”
Chief Nyathi identified the need for infrastructure development at these sacred sites to make them more accommodating for visitors.
He proposed the installation of restrooms, toilets, bathrooms, solar-powered lights, fences, boom gates, and security measures to enhance the overall safety and maintenance of the area.
Nyathi also emphasized the importance of educating the community through traditional leadership to keep away non-essential objects and animals that might disturb the spiritual sanctity of these places.
“This is a very important spiritual tour to Njelele and other sacred sites, as they are part of our history and heritage. It is our duty, as traditional leaders, shrine keepers and community members, to preserve these places of worship and ensure their safety.
“The government is doing its best, but we must work together to maintain these powerful sites of spiritual significance,” said Nyathi.
King Munhumutapa and his entourage was conspicuous with their absence at the Gukurahundi Community Outreach program held at Bulawayo State House yesterday.
Zim GBC News ©2024