The Sunday News
Peter Matika in Bulawayo and Nkululeko Sibanda in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday News Reporters
THE circus surrounding the succession and revival of the Ndebele monarchy continues to rage, with Mr Peter Zwide KaLanga Khumalo proclaiming himself King Nyamande Lobengula II yesterday, while his rival Mr Bulelani Colin Lobengula Khumalo has set his coronation for 3 March.
Zwide KaLanga Khumalo proclaimed himself King Nyamande Lobengula II yesterday at a ceremony that was held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre. The event, which was poorly attended, is said to have been necessitated and hurried to “advocate” for the total restoration of the Matabeleland Kingdom that was destroyed by Cecil John Rhodes and his colonial forces in 1893.
In his coronation speech Mr Khumalo said he has intentions of reviving the monarchy through a systematic manner, which would see him working with the Government.
“This is indeed a historic event for Mzilikazi and Mambo’s descendants who tied up very constructive and sustainable relationships in the 1840s that resulted in this nation called Mthwakazi. Today we gather here to restore the Kingship that was mercilessly destroyed by the imperialist forces led by Cecil John Rhodes,” he said.
Mr Khumalo said the guiding principles for his actions were based on many factors, with the main one being the revival of culture.
“As a nation we have a right to practice culture the way our forefathers did. We do not intend to interfere with other people’s cultures but encourage the restoration of all cultural structures in each ethnic group. We pride ourselves in having robust cultural and spiritual observances that are part of our identity.”
He said as members of the Sadc it was mandatory to lead culturally and to work tirelessly with the Government.
“The monarch will be non-partisan; the vision to restore it was inherited from our forefathers,” he said.
Meanwhile, another ceremony to coronate “another Ndebele king” has been set for Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo next month. Mr Bulelani Colin Lobengula Khumalo, who is based in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is expected to be unveiled as the new king, taking over the reigns from his forefather, Lobengula who died in 1893.
“We would like to extend an open invitation to everyone to be with us on the 3rd of March at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo where the coronation of the king will take place,” said Mr Effie Ncube, the spokesperson for the kingdom’s Crown Council.
In an interview in Pretoria, South Africa Mr Lobengula Khumalo said he was aware of the task ahead.
“I am aware I have a very big task that lies ahead of me to lead a people or a society that last had a leader as way back as 124 years ago. I am trembling like anyone else who can be thrust into my situation as things stand. I am, however, confident I will, with the support of the elders, the traditional leaders, the crown council, and everyone else, be able to pull through and do the right thing as expected and lead our people the right way,” said Mr Lobengula Khumalo.
Prince Hlabezulu Khumalo, a representative of the elders of the Khumalo family known as Iqoqo Labadala, said the coronation of the new king has received a blessing from the royal family. This, he said, was in line with the dictates of the Ndebele society as well as the kingdom.
