Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MHLAHANDLELA \u2013 Calls for the official recognition and development of the King Mzilikazi shrine reached a crescendo over the weekend as thousands gathered for the annual commemorations, with traditional leaders praising the event’s unifying power while issuing a stark warning over its neglect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two-day event, held under the theme \u201cSiqoqa Isizwe Ngamasiko \u2013 We Strengthen the Nation Through Culture,\u201d drew participants from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. Despite the vibrant displays of Ndebele culture by schoolchildren, amatshitshi, and ibutho regiments, leaders highlighted a critical lack of infrastructure and government support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chief Mayenga Fuyane of Maphisa noted the event’s growing prominence, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday\u2019s event is better than last year\u2019s. People came in their numbers, which amazed us\u2026 we saw many banners from sponsors, showing that the number of people supporting us is increasing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he sharply criticised the logistical shortcomings, revealing,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere was no parking space and marshals to guide the cars\u2026 at some point, some chiefs ended up sitting on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Echoing the sentiment on disorganisation, Chief Mathema of Gwanda North lamented the poor scheduling, which saw traditional leaders addressed late in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat point would it serve for the guest of honour to address people when many were already drunk? The idea was for people to engage while still alert so that they could carry the message of the day forward,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most potent calls were for state intervention. Prince McLeod Isolengwe Tshawe of Mbembesi pointedly compared the shrine’s poor access roads to the tarred road to Cecil John Rhodes\u2019s burial site in the Matopos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis place too should be a tourist attraction\u2026 Mzilikazi is recognised across Africa, so this shrine should be in much better condition,\u201d Prince Tshawe asserted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe president himself should either participate\u2026 or at least delegate the minister of culture. The government must take this place seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The international appeal of the commemorations was underscored by Thokozani Fana Khumalo, Chairperson of AmaNtungwa kaMbulazi International from South Africa, who observed significant growth in attendance and sponsorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spiritual significance of the event was highlighted by Jabulani Zakhela Khumalo, also from South Africa, who called it a \u201cprofound experience\u2026 deeply moving.\u201d He added,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe peace, harmony and celebration seen at King Mzilikazi commemorations are unparalleled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the challenges, the partnership between the Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA) and traditional leaders was hailed as a success, fostering a platform that strengthens the nation through culture, true to the legacy of the great nation-builder, King Mzilikazi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective\u00a92025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube MHLAHANDLELA \u2013 Calls for the official recognition and development of the King Mzilikazi shrine reached a crescendo over the weekend as thousands gathered for the annual commemorations,… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8914"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8916,"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8914\/revisions\/8916"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/zimgbcnews.co.zw\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}