Youth, culture take centre stage at Mzilikazi commemorations

Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]

THE Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association (MMCA), organisers of the annual King Mzilikazi commemorations, say they are ready to welcome thousands of schoolchildren to eMhlahlandlela in Matobo tomorrow for a programme aimed at empowering young people while promoting culture and heritage.

The youth programme, which precedes the main commemorations scheduled for September 5, seeks to promote the wellbeing of young people while educating them about the history of King Mzilikazi and the Ndebele nation. It will also focus on cultural values, including traditional dress, food, dances and other practices that have shaped Ndebele identity.

Thousands of pupils from schools across Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo are expected to attend the event, which aims to preserve the legacy of King Mzilikazi as a military strategist and unifier.

MMCA media and publicity official Bigboy George Sibanda said the youth programme was introduced following the success of last year’s inaugural edition. He said the overwhelming response encouraged organisers to make the programme a permanent feature of the annual commemorations.

“Last year, we tested the waters and decided to introduce the schools’ programme a day before the main event. The programme was dedicated to teaching learners about the history of King Mzilikazi and that of the Ndebele nation.

The turnout was massive, far more than we had expected. With that in mind, we decided to stage it again this year and officially make it part of our programme for the coming editions,” said Sibanda.

He said pupils will learn about the different cultures that contributed to the formation of the Ndebele nation, with schools from Venda, Sotho, Kalanga and Nambya communities, among others, expected to participate.

“Children will learn about the different cultures that make up the Ndebele nation. We will host schools from different regions, including those from Venda, Sotho, Kalanga and Nambya communities, to mention a few. They will also be taught how to identify cultural tools and prepare traditional food,” he said.

Sibanda said the programme is designed to complement the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) 2024-2030, which places local culture, indigenous languages and national history at the centre of learning in primary and secondary schools.

MMCA organising committee member Crescentia Ngwenya said the programme will also address challenges affecting young girls, including peer pressure, early sexual activity and the preservation of cultural values. She said organisers wanted to create a platform where girls could learn about self-respect, personal conduct and the importance of preserving their virginity (ubuntombi/ubutshitshi), while also providing an opportunity to discuss issues affecting them.

“We want to take these children off the streets, especially girls. Due to peer pressure and other forces, young girls end up losing their virginity in an undignified manner. Some even get into worse situations as they fall pregnant at a very young age.

“It becomes difficult for them to raise these babies because, in most cases, the responsible fathers run away from the situation, leaving the girl child alone,” said Ngwenya.

She said the programme would also educate young people about the health risks associated with early sexual activity, including sexually transmitted infections and HIV/Aids.

“Through this programme, we want to teach children how to conduct themselves, dress with dignity and understand the importance of preserving their virginity until they get married,” she said.

Meanwhile, a delegation of South African entertainers is expected to arrive in Bulawayo tomorrow ahead of the main commemorations on Saturday. The delegation includes South African Maskandi musician Khuzani Mpungose and actors Dawn Thandeka King and Mpilo Mthatha, who star in the Mzansi Magic epic drama series Shaka iLembe as Mkabayi and King Mzilikazi respectively.

Delegations from other African countries and royal houses are also expected in Bulawayo tomorrow.

The main commemorations are expected to attract Government officials, Bulawayo city leaders, traditional leaders, cultural enthusiasts from across Africa, tourists, members of the Zimbabwean diaspora and people from different parts of the country.

Proceedings will begin with a cultural parade from Matshobana Township at 8am, led by Amatshitshi, abafana and Amabutho. Participants dressed in traditional attire will march past some of Bulawayo’s iconic landmarks, including Barbourfields Stadium, home of Highlanders Football Club, the Inxwala Grounds and the statue of the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. The parade will end at the Large City Hall car park, from where participants will be transported to eMhlahlandlela for the main commemorative event.

Organisers have encouraged participants to wear traditional attire representing their respective cultures, saying the Ndebele nation comprises diverse communities whose identities should be celebrated as part of commemorating King Mzilikazi’s life and legacy.