Prince revives Lobengula dynasty

The Ndebele kingdom ceased to exist following the controversial disappearance of King Lobengula in December 1893. Prince Khumalo who is the grandson of Nyamande, Lobengula‘s first-born son, said the resuscitation of the monarchy and the crowning of a new Ndebele king would enhance cultural and nationhood values among the Ndebele people as well as in the country as a whole.

He said the revival of the Mthwakazi kingdom should be done simultaneously with the rival of other traditional structures in the country.

“This revival will not interfere with the so-called modern democratic governance structures. It is pertinent to remind the politicians that the powers they wield today were originally wielded by kings” he said, adding that the nation enjoyed well-structured cultural, social and economic governance under the rule of Kings Lobengula and Mzilikazi.

“These values and indigenous systems w are lacking among our current leaders. These values can only be attained under this cultural set up,” he said. Prince Khumalo started being actively involved in the restoration of Lobengula’s capital popularly known as KoBulawayo in 1993 during the run up to the city’s centenary celebration. The capital was burnt down in 1881 in response to increased threats to his political control by colonial forces and the mounting onslaught by missionaries who wanted to convert his people against his wishes.

”I was part of the delegation of a team of Khumalo elders and experts who visited Zululand in August 1994 to learn how to buid the beehive huts characteristic of King Lobengula’s era. I have also spearheaded the launch of King Mzilikazi’s commemorations, which are now being held annually,” he said.

He has formed the Mthwakazi Heritage Trust which has also been involved in organising annual king Lobengula’s commemorations. The Trust will focus on the rival of the Ndebele monarch system and also ring fence and protect important Ndebele culture from abuse such as the Bayethe and Ndabezita Royal salutations.

“Politicians, no matter what level they are, cannot attain the status of a king. Salutations such as the Bayethe and Ndabezita are only specific for kings,” said Prince Khumalo, in an apparent reference to the Bayethe salutations which President Robert Mugabe received at a recent function.

He rejected allegations that he is feuding with another Khumalo Prince, Mcijwana Khumalo, over who has the right to the throne, and said he was not interested in being a king. “My aspiration is to assist the Royal family and the entire Mthwakazi kingdom to gain confidence and to focus on reviving the monarchy system which I believe is an absolute cultural necessity. It is false that I have publicly or privately declared my interest in becoming the next king of uMthwakazi. I am a prince and I enjoy being one,” he said.

He explained that although that all Khumalos are of royal origin, they do not necessarily have the right to the throne. Mcijwana has declared in the past that he is the head of the Khumalos and had been divinely anointed king by God.