King Silamba commemorated
by HRH Stella Sigcau
King Makhosonke Mabhena of the Ndebele Kingdom
11 March 2021
On 5 March 2022 at Komjekejeke Heritage Site, amaNdebele commemorated their legendary King Silamba who upheld Ndebele culture and heritage under the challenging times of colonialism. He is buried in Komjekejeke where the event takes place. In his honour and legacy his descendent King Makhosonke Mabhena II, 42 years ago decided to use the legacy of King Silamba to unite amaNdebele, celebrate ubuNdebele whilst sharing ubuNdebele with other cultures.
After two years of not being celebrated this event came out stronger and the excitement was evident. The event saw a melting pot of diversity where there was cultural interaction and exchange. Ndebele artists and traditional groups in entertaining the guests were joined by artists from other Kingdoms including Csana and Nomzekelo Jamakazi from the Mpondo Kingdom. This also illustrated a spirit of ubuntu and unity in a diversity of cultures.
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As the country is recovering from Covid-19 and its negative impact on the economy, this event contributes to cultural development and tourism, job creation and rural development as well as to the promotion of unity in a diversity of cultures. Many speakers alluded to this, including Gauteng Acting MEC of Sports, Culture and Recreation , Shiba, MEC of Education Panyaza Lusufi, Princess Stella Sigcau II from the Mpondo Kingdom, Queen Sekhukhune from the Pedi Kingdom and Hosi Nkomo Mahumani amongst others.
Events like King Silamba Commemoration not only acknowledge the role amaKhosi played in the colonial resistance and in the liberation struggle but are also platforms to share and promote diverse cultures whilst also creating opportunities for economic activities and empowerment. King Mabhena thanked all the guests who were in attendance.