NDEBELE people will on November 3 gather at Gadadi, site of the final battle with the colonial British South Africa Company (BSAC) in Matabeleland North, to commemorate the day of the fall of their nation to white settler rule in 1893.
Report by Staff Reporter
The month-long events are expected to climax on December 3 with the celebration of Ndebele victory over white settlers.
Organisers Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi spokesperson Makhosi Sibanda said the event will run between 9am and 3pm daily. “There will be lectures, prayers and the unveiling of a small monument in honour of Imbizo and all regiments that fought in the war,” he said.
“The day will end with the main event, a dinner and awards to the most outstanding citizens in Mthwakazi. The awards will feature the following categories; the Queen’s Ordinance, the Warrior’s Shield and Isibane Liberty awards.”
Imbizo was King Lobengula Khumalo’s crack unit whose defeat on the shores of Tshangane River on November 3 1893 by the BSAC marked the fall of the Ndebele monarchy and nation.
Sibanda said the organisation held a similar event last year and the event this year was a follow-up to what will be annual commemorations.
“In the year 2011, a ground-breaking solidarity event was held at Gadadi through a walk and talk session,” he said. “This year the event will begin on November 2 2012 with a night termed ‘The Night of the Brave’, which will be a performance night showcasing a play depicting events before the great battle.
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“On December 3, we will pay our tribute to Insukamini, who defended the king from being captured and hence keeping the fire alight in the nation. It will feature lectures and a visit to the site of victory.”
