Mpondo Kings honoured by Freedom Park
SARPN - 25 July 2026
On 23 July 2026, heritage and honour came together at Freedom Park as the legacy of the AmaMpondo Kingdom was celebrated during the Honour Ceremony of King Mqikela kaFaku and King Bhekizulu Ndamase—two revered leaders whose contributions to the liberation struggle and colonial resistance continue to inspire generations. Their names were inscribed on the wall of names at Freedom Park, a very significant and historic moment.
The occasion was graced by various dignitaries including Dr Zeka from Freedom Park who welcomed the guests, and during the wreath laying ceremony which preceded the official program, took the audience through the mandate of Freedom Park and the processes followed prior to this. He also took the guests through the tour of Freedom Park including the Gallery of Leaders.
Various Kingdoms were represented including Pedi, Tswana, Xhosa, Xesibe, Mpondo, Mpondomise, Tsonga, Sotho, Hlubi, Swati. Gracing the occasion were also the former National Arts Council Chairperson, Princess Celenhle Dlamini, former South African Auditor General Mr Edmond Shoko Lukheleni who delivered a message of support, Founder of the South African Royal Princesses Network who is also Founder of the AmaMpondo Kingdom Liberation Heritage Program and a South African diplomat Princess Stella Sigcau II, Prince Serake Mampuru of BaPedi Kingdom who delivered a message of support, Prince Njongoziphezulu Madikizela of AmaLunga Chieftaincy in the Mpondo Kingdom who delivered a vote of thanks and Princess Hombisa Ndamase who led a delegation representing the Ndamase family. A keynote address was delivered by His Majesty King Silosohlanga kaDakhile Sigcau.
The event was also attended by SARPN Chairperson, Princess Nandile Ndamase, together with members of the Network, reaffirming SARPN's commitment to preserving the rich history, heritage and legacy of South Africa's traditional leadership.
Among the distinguished speakers at the Honour Ceremony of King Mqikela & King Bhekizulu Ndamase held at Freedom Park, was CONTRALESA Secretary General, HRH Prince Zolani Mkiva, who delivered words of support, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the two AmaMpondo Kings and their invaluable contribution to South Africa's liberation struggle.
His message reaffirmed the importance of preserving the history, heritage and sacrifices of traditional leaders who played a pivotal role in the country's journey to freedom.
HRH Prince Nkosimphile Dlamini of the Kingdom of Eswatini honoured the Honour Ceremony of King Mqikela & King Bhekizulu Ndamase at Freedom Park with heartfelt words of support, reaffirming the enduring bonds of African royalty, unity and our shared commitment to preserving history and heritage.
Freedom Park was established as a post-apartheid initiative. It serves as a monument to honor those who sacrificed their lives for South Africa's liberation and celebrates the continent’s history stretching back 3.6 billion years.
The program which honours AmaMpondo Traditional Leaders who played significant roles in nation building, including in the liberation struggle and in the colonial resistance, was initiated by Dr Jane Mafumadi, former CEO of Freedom Park and Princess Stella Sigcau II of AmaMpondo Kingdom in 2020. This led to a partnership between Freedom Park and AmaMpondo Kingdom in this regard and the inaugural ceremony took place in April 2021 at Freedom Park. This event included unveiling inscribed names on the Wall of Names of traditional leaders who were honoured, as well as a wreath laying ceremony. In attendance of this event in 2021 were also the late King Zanozuko Sigcau, Queen Madosini Ndamase, the late Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Nkosi Sipho Mahlangu, the former Chairperson of Freedom Park Board, Chief Mabalane, Members of the South African Royal Princesses Network. Various Kingdons and Chieftaincies were represented including Ndebele (Nala and Ndzundza), Pedi, Xhosa, Bhaca, Xesibe, Thembu, Swati, Tsonga.
The Wall of Names is inscribed with the names of heroes and heroines who died fighting for humanity and freedom during the major conflicts in South African history, namely: the Pre-Colonial Wars, Slavery, Genocide, Wars of Resistance, the South African War, the First and Second World War and the Struggle for Liberation. It brings honour to those who laid down their lives so South Africans can enjoy freedom today.
Prior to the official inaugural ceremony in 2021 were dialogues with various Traditional Leaders and stakeholders throughout the Mpondo Kingdom on the history and origins of the Mpondo Kingdom as well as the role of amaMpondo Traditional leaders in the colonial resistance and in the liberation struggle including King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase who was represented by Chief Ntandoyesizwe Ndamase at Nyandeni Great Place, Nkosi Zwelonke Sigcau at Hewu Great place, Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau at Lwandlolubomvu Great Place, Various Chiefs from Mbizana, Port St John’s and Qaukeni as well as Mayors including Daniswa Mafumbatha of Winnie Madikizela Mandela and some members of communities. Extensive research was also conducted by a team of researchers from Freedom Park as well as a verification process followed.
Since then various AmaMpondo Traditional Leaders have been honoured by Freedom Park including King Faku, King Sigcau kaMqikela, King Marhelane kaSigcau, and Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, with their names inscribed on the site's Wall of Remembrance for their defiance against oppressive colonial laws. The tribute to the Mpondo royal lineage at Freedom Park is significant: King Faku Consolidated the formidable AmaMpondo Kingdom and managed to maintain autonomy against both colonial forces and neighbouring tribes. King Sigcau kaMqikela resisted oppressive colonial taxes and regulations, which led to his arrest and incarceration on Robben Island. King Marhelane kaSigcau was one of the founding Kings of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1912. Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau was an ANC stalwart who was posthumously inscribed on the memorial wall for advancing the fight against apartheid.