ORGANISERS of the annual 1893 Anglo-Ndebele war commemorations have called on the government to recognise the event by declaring a holiday in honour of the thousands of Ndebele soldiers killed while resisting seizure of their ancestral land.
The commemorations which first began in 2011 were held in Matabeleland North’s Ntabazinduna area last weekend.
Organised by the Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, the commemorations were held at the Gadade Memorial Site where thousands of Matabele fighters were buried.
The commemorations, which started in 2011, were held under the theme: “The Turning Point: Gadade’s Role in Shaping History.”
“The sharp growth in attendance from 2011 reflects a deeper comprehension of the event’s significance,” Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi spokesperson Greater Sibanda said.
“People are not only attending in greater numbers but are also more actively participating and showing a genuine interest in the historical context and implications of the Gadade/Imbembesi battle.”
He said the Gadade battle is a national event of great significance.
“This battle is a shared history that transcends regional boundaries, making it a crucial part of our national identity,” Sibanda said.
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“Gadade is not just a chapter in Matabeleland’s history but a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s heritage”
Ndebele King Bulelani Khumalo shared similar sentiments.
“For us the people of Matabeleland, the commemorations mean a lot.” Khumalo said.
“It teaches us that we must not let anyone take what belongs to us, we must defend our land as our forefathers did in 1893 as well as our brothers in the 70s as for the country Zimbabwe it should teach us to respect one another.”
On November 1, 1893, Cecil John Rhodes’ Pioneer Column conquered the Ndebele kingdom under King Lobengula.
Thousands of Ndebele warriors were mowed down by Maxim guns from all directions of the Pioneer Column’s laager.
The gallant soldiers belonged to the Imbizo, Ameva, iSiziba, iHlathi, iNsukamini and Ingubo regiments.
