Chronicles of the lives of the Ndebele by both local and foreign writers are a reflection of attempts to repair the damage caused by the colonialists, Bulawayo mayor Thaba Moyo has said.
Speaking during the official handover of copies of the book co-authored by renowned historian Phathisa Nyathi and Marieke Faber Clarke, entitled Lozikeyi Dlodlo: Queen of the Ndebele, Moyo said ethnic origins, heritage and culture were part of what makes mankind different from animals.
“The realisation of the importance of heritage and history creates an appreciation of who we are, where we are going and what we are capable of in both positive and negative lights,” he said.
Moyo said little was known about Ndebele women and the book chronicling the life of King Lobengula’s wife was a step towards depicting the importance of women in Ndebele society.
Nyathi said he wrote the book to afford people an opportunity to read in greater detail on the Ndebele State for future generations to acquire knowledge on what happened during Queen Lozikeyi’s era.
“You know, it is so sad that a lot of people here in Bulawayo do not even know who K++ing Lobengula’s eldest wife was or what her contributions were to the Ndebele State. This book provides that information in greater detail.
“We have given 150 books each to Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North, 50 to Bulawayo and 90 to council libraries as well as frames depicting Queen Lozikeyi and her husband King Lobengula to Cresta Churchill Hotel, Bulawayo City Council, Lozikeyi Primary School and Amagugu International Heritage Centre,” he said.
