One of the claimants to the Ndebele kingship, Peter Zwide Khumalo, has been appointed country director of the Sovereign Congress of African Leadership (SCAL), a move his backers are calling a historic victory for cultural advocacy.
The appointment was announced by the King Lobengula Royal Trust (KLRT), which congratulated its spokesperson on the immediate new role.
In a statement, KLRT vice-chairman Themba Khumalo described the development as a proud moment for both the organisation and the broader Ndebele community.
The trust noted that the appointment follows a string of recent recognition awards for Khumalo, including honours from Imiklomelo kaDakamela on April 4, 2024, SCAL on December 16, 2025, and the Public Policy Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) on March 11, 2026.
“Today the Ndebele nation enjoys their cultural gatherings because he, Khumalo, is an outstanding pioneer in publicly seeking the people’s freedom to enjoy their culture, including the restoration of the Ndebele Monarch from as far back as 1990,” KLRT said.
The organisation acknowledged that Khumalo may attract differing opinions, but praised him as “a powerhouse in local history, culture and professional leadership.”
The KLRT vice chairman called on the public to join King Lobengula and Nyamande’s house in congratulating Prince P.Z. Khumalo kaSumpe kaNyamande kaLobengula kaMzilikazi and his family on the appointment.
Zwide Khumalo is one of several claimants to the Ndebele kingship, alongside South Africa-based King Bulelani Khumalo, who was crowned at a private venue; Stanley Raphael Khumalo, also crowned privately in Bulawayo; and Mcijwana Khumalo.