By Celani Sikhakhane
The President of Malawi, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, has described the reunion of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona’s descendants and that of King Zwangendaba kaZiguda Jele Gumbi as a milestone in promoting peace, especially in his country.
Chakwera was speaking on Saturday at the 10th anniversary of the reigning King M’mbelwa V of the Ngoni Nation. This was at Hora Heritage site in the Mzimba district of Malawi, attended by the senior royals of the Zulu Kingdom.
The historic gathering saw the Ngonis of Zwangendaba, who fled the Ophongolo area from KwaZulu-Natal after the Gqokli Hill war in 1818, where King Shaka defeated King Zwangendaba and Zwide kaLanga, reunited with the Zulu nation in an event that was also part of the annual Umthetho Festival.
Chakwera said this is key in the country’s Vision 2063, which is a blueprint of the African Union and Nepad Agenda 2063 that aims to promote one culture on the African continent.
“This is the cultural milestone in promoting peace and unity in our country which is key to achieving the Malawi 2063 vision,” said Chakwera.
The event was graced by the Ngoni or abeNguni nations from Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa.
These nations were created by King Zwangendaba after he fled KZN because of the painful defeat at Gqokli Hill War, which was part of the Mfecane.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini decided not to attend the event after the KZN government refused to fund the delegation of his regiments.
Only 11 Zulu royal family members were sent to represent the King and include the King’s brother, Prince Masiko kaZwelithini, Queen Nomzamo kaMyeni of Machobeni Royal Palace, senior Prince Dr Zeblon Zulu, Princess Nondumiso, and others.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini sent a gift of a Zulu book of history and a shield to King M’mbelwa, which was presented at the event.
Pictured above: Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and King M’mbelwa V of the Ngoni Nation greeting King Misuzulu’s brother Prince Masiko and other Zulu royals.
Source: Malawi State House.
