DETHRONED Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has announced that Ndebele monarch King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo is set to undertake a historic visit to the United Kingdom, marking what he described as the first engagement between a Ndebele king and British authorities in more than a century.
Ndiweni said the trip would mark a significant moment in restoring and recognising the Ndebele royal house, whose sovereignty was lost following the colonial conquest of the kingdom in 1893.
Ndiweni was dethroned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on November 30, 2019, and stripped of all government benefits on the basis that he was not the rightful heir to the throne.
He later left for the United Kingdom after being released on US$500 bail pending an appeal against his conviction and sentence.
Speaking in a video address, Ndiweni said the royal house had become fully operational following the private coronation of King Bulelani in September 2018.
“The royal house now is formalised, it’s now working, it’s now operational. It’s been eight years now since our monarch was coronated in a private ceremony,” Ndiweni said.
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He described King Bulelani as “a monarch in exile” whose influence extends beyond Zimbabwe’s borders through engagements with governments, traditional leaders and international organisations.
“Our monarch has travelled far and wide, has engaged many, and has taken part in programmes rolled out by the African Union and the United Nations,” he said.
According to Ndiweni, the king has built relationships with monarchies across Africa, including traditional leaders in Zambia and South Africa. He recently interacted with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as part of broader efforts to strengthen ties among African royal houses.
Announcing the upcoming UK trip, Ndiweni said he would accompany the king.
“Tonight I’m here announcing a journey that is now about to begin whereby we will escort His Royal Majesty Bulelani Khumalo to the United Kingdom, where he will begin engagements,” he said.
He described the visit as historically significant.
“The last occasion a Ndebele monarch engaged with any part of the United Kingdom government was 133 years ago, 1893 to be precise,” Ndiweni said.
He added that while the visit would be private, including meetings with Ndebele people living in the UK, it would also provide opportunities for official engagements.
The Ndebele Kingship is being contested by three other claimants: Stanely Raphael Khumalo, Mcijwana Khumalo and Peter Zwide Khumalo. However, Bulelani appears to be gaining significant support despite being a South African citizen by registration and residence.