The Office of His Majesty King Bulelani Lobengula kaMzilikazi, based in South Africa, has issued a public statement addressing recent remarks made by Zimbabwean government officials regarding the King’s recent visit to Bulawayo and his meeting with Mayor David Coltart.
The statement directly responds to comments attributed to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe, and ZANU PF Spokesperson Mr. Christopher Mutsvangwa.
The King’s office acknowledged the importance of dialogue and the rule of law but expressed concern about the “tone and implications” of the officials’ statements.
The Office of His Majesty King Bulelani Lobengula kaMzilikazi emphasized the King’s deeply rooted ancestral and cultural position, highlighting his lineage as a direct descendant of King Lobengula and ultimately King Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele nation.
“His role is not political but restorative, cultural, and symbolic—aimed at uniting Mthwakazi descendants across Southern Africa and the diaspora through heritage, identity, and community development,” the statement clarified.
Regarding the nature of the visit to Bulawayo, the statement asserted that it was a “private and dignified cultural pilgrimage to the historical heartland of the Ndebele people a journey marked by mutual respect, peaceful engagement, and cultural significance.”
The meeting with Mayor Coltart was described as being conducted in a “spirit of courtesy and national unity,” reflecting African traditions of mutual recognition among community leaders.
The statement respectfully urged public officials to exercise “caution, decorum, and cultural sensitivity” when discussing matters of heritage and traditional leadership.
It specifically criticized “dismissive language or threats of arrest directed at a traditional and cultural figure whose mission is reconciliation, unity, and empowerment,” stating that such language does not align with the spirit of Ubuntu or Pan-African values.
The Office of His Majesty King Bulelani Lobengula kaMzilikazi indicated its openness to “constructive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders in Zimbabwe and the region” to find common ground in recognizing and preserving traditional institutions that predate colonial boundaries.
They argued that these institutions, when embraced, can contribute significantly to community development, national unity, and cultural tourism.
The statement concluded by thanking citizens who have shown support for the King, the Kingship issue, the Mayor of Bulawayo, and the culture of the Mthwakazi Nation, quoting the proverb “Inkosi YiNkosi Ngabantu” (A King is King through the People).
It called for a spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and dialogue in addressing matters concerning the cultural identity of the Mthwakazi people, emphasizing that the King’s presence is not an imposition but a reminder of a shared aspiration and history.
