Robin Muchetu

THE South African King of the Amangwe, King Ntshosho II, visited his Zimbabwean relatives at Chief Wasi Ndiweni’s homestead in the Mangwe district of Matabeleland South province yesterday.

King Ntsho sho is the traditional leader of the Amangwe people who are scattered in Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

He was welcomed by Amangwe locals at a colourful ceremony that attracted several culture enthusiasts from Bulawayo.

In his address, King Ntshosho said he came to Zimbabwe to meet and unite with members of his clan.

“I came here so that I could meet with people from my clan who are in this part of the world. Unity like this should be carried on from generation to generation as the people of Mangwe are one,’’ said the King.

He said it was of paramount importance that he visits Zimbabwe as it shows that he is a leader who has his people at heart and to ensure that the people of his clan are still upholding their culture.

He stressed that youths should be at the forefront in promoting African values as they are the leaders of tomorrow. He also spoke on the importance of youths respecting elders and also themselves.

“Youths should respect themselves as there is the scourge of HIV and Aids that has swiped out people and elders should be respected. We want to live in an land free from diseases like Aids,’’ he said.

Matabeleland South Governor Cde Angeline Masuku praised King Nthsosho for his visit to the country, saying it was a milestone achievement.

“We feel honoured by this visit from royalty. It is a sign that we are still rich in our tradition and culture, we appreciate the gesture by the king,’’ said Governor Masuku.

She said Zimbabwe was a country that was experiencing sweet freedom and this was why it had events of such magnitude occurring.

“Zimbabwe is a free country thus we have kings visiting us at such events. If there was no freedom, the king was never going to come down,’’ she added.

She said culture was an important aspect of people as it moulds even generations that are still to come. She urged all people to go back to their roots and practise what their forefathers used to practise.

Chief Wasi received the delegation from South Africa and Swaziland and said it was a once in a lifetime event that would always be special to the Amangwe people.

He said the King came to tell the people of their history and said the Amangwe  should ensure that they do not marry each other as people of the same clan.

“Now that the King has told us of who we are we should not have people of the same clan marrying each other as it is taboo,” said Chief Wasi.

The event was also attended by traditional leaders, prominent historian Mr Phathisa Nyathi, Principal Director in the Ministry of Education, Art, Sports and Culture Reverend Paul Damasane and Member of Parliament for Mangwe District Mr Edward Mukhosi. The king came with delegates from Swaziland and some representatives from the King’s council.

King Ntshosho II was inaugurated in October last year in Durban.

The visit coincides with the annual Amangwe clan cultural celebrations and unites the clan that had been separated for more than 180 years.

The Amangwe people comprise the Ndiweni, Mbambo and Zwane surnames.  It is strongly believed that Cikose Ndiweni was mother to King Mzilikazi, that was why the first Ndebele monarch appointed Ndiweni chiefs in his nation.

His paramount chief was Gundwane Ndiweni, whose chieftaincy still exists and was last held by the late Chief Khayisa Ndiweni.