PREPARATIONS for ‘Umgubho wenkosi uMzilikazi’, King Mzilikazi’s annual commemorations to mark 156 years since the death of the founder of the Ndebele nation, have begun.
Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association, Dingani Likhwa Tshabangu representative said the commemorations will be held at the Mhlahlandlela memorial site on September 7 this year.
Tshabangu sent an SOS for cash and other materials to make the event a success.
“We are inviting interested sponsors to come on board as we prepare the cultural event but people should not wear political regalia, but cultural or formal wear,’’ Tshabangu said
The celebrations will start with a cultural parade march from Matshobana to the City Hall in Bulawayo.
Mzilikazi was the founding father and first King of the Ndebele State when he left Nguniland after rebelling against King Shaka around 1826. He had been Shaka’s trusted lieutenant.
Mzilikazi absorbed a significant number of tribes en route to Northern Transvaal from Nguniland, which became his subjects in the Ndebele kingdom
Mhlahlandlela, situated 22km from Bulawayo, along the old Gwanda Road, was King Mzilikazi’s last known capital.
King Mzilikazi Khumalo died in September 1868.