COMMEMORATIONS to celebrate the life of King Mzilikazi Khumalo are set to take place on September 7 at Mhlahlandlela, 22km south of Bulawayo along the Old Gwanda Road, organisers said yesterday. Report by Pamela Mhlanga
In a statement yesterday, Mthwakazi KaMzilikazi Cultural Association spokesperson, Rodgers Mthethwa, said the commemorations, which have been held annually since the year 2000, were an important event to celebrate the life of one of Africa’s greatest icons in living memory.
“King Mzilikazi left the then Zululand in the 1820s with less than 500 people and fought his way up to present day western Zimbabwe,” he said.
“He was able to persuade some tribes in the Transvaal to join his crusade.” Mthethwa said Mzilikazi crossed the Limpopo River and finally settled in Matabeleland, establishing his capital at Mhlahlandlela, which was now a recognised historical site and this was the place where they had been hosting such celebrations since the year 2000.
“This year we have invited two traditional chiefs from Swaziland and Mpumalanga province of South Africa and these are Chief Makhosikhosi Khumalo and Chief Mthayiza Khumalo, respectively.”
He said transport to Mhlahlandlela would be available from the City Hall car park from 8.30am at a charge of $2 including the return fee. Efforts were being made to provide free transport to the elderly.
“Any cultural group or individual praise singers wishing to participate, including well-wishers wanting to support this noble cause are most welcome,” Mthwethwa said. “They should contact me or the organisation’s public relations officer, Nhlanhla Khumalo on mobile numbers 0712 508 870 or 0775 184 390.”
