A Look at the Reasons Behind the Establishment of Movements Aimed at Resuscitating the Ndebele/Mthwakazi Kingdom in Post-Colonial Zimbabwe

Abstract

The resuscitation of the Ndebele kingdom has been a topical issue in Zimbabwe. The Ndebele kingdom, which was established by king Mzilikazi ka MaShobana was destroyed by white settlers during the reign of his son Lobengula. The years following the colonisation of Zimbabwe saw a number of efforts being made to liberate the country. The liberation struggle came to an end in 1980 when Zimbabwe, a country which came to being as a result of nationalists was liberated and the black majority assumed power. However, there have been growing calls for the resuscitation of the Ndebele kingdom, which in some circles mean breaking away from Zimbabwe. One wonders what the reasons behind the call for the resuscitation of the Ndebele kingdom were: Is this move fuelled by poor service delivery in Zimbabwe? Are the Ndebele people unhappy with the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe? Is this another revolution waiting to happen? This study sought to establish the reasons behind calls to resuscitate the Ndebele kingdom in Zimbabwe. A qualitative research methodology was employed and interviews held with one of the heirs to the Ndebele throne, as well as the leader of one of the movements advocating for the resuscitation of the Ndebele or Mthwakazi kingdom.