The 46th commemoration of King Silamba of the AmaNdebele was recently held, bringing together government leaders, traditional authorities and members of the community to honour the historical legacy of the revered Ndebele king.

The event was attended by representatives from the Mpumalanga Provincial Administration, including the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), alongside other government departments and traditional leaders. The commemoration recognised King Silamba’s leadership during a difficult period in history when the AmaNdebele people were forcefully moved to KoMjekejeke in Wallmansthal, outside Pretoria in Gauteng, during the late 1860s under the colonial regime.

King Silamba is remembered for his role in preserving the cultural identity of the AmaNdebele during the colonial era. The event was led by Ingwenyama Makhosoke II, who joined scores of attendees in paying tribute to the king’s enduring contribution to the nation.

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, attended the commemoration and spoke about the historical role played by traditional leaders during South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“Traditional leaders in South Africa played a complex, dual role during the liberation struggle, often caught between enforcing apartheid policies via the Bantu Authorities Act and acting as custodians of community welfare. After 1994, the role of traditional leaders was transformed to fit into a democratic, constitutional state, with bodies like the National House of Traditional Leaders helping to shape rural development,” he said.

Mpumalanga MEC for CoGHSTA, Mr Speed Mashilo, attended the event on behalf of the provincial administration. He highlighted the leadership role of Ingwenyama Makhosoke II in preserving Ndebele culture and promoting education within the community.

“Through his efforts to empower people, Ingwenyama Makhosoke II partnered with the University of Venda and now is partnering with the University of Mpumalanga in ensuring that his community reaches higher education institutions,” Mashilo said.

Mashilo also emphasised the importance of using such gatherings to address social challenges affecting communities, including gender-based violence, land invasions, bogus initiation schools and substance abuse.

The event celebrated AmaNdebele heritage through traditional music, food and cultural performances by local groups and renowned Ndebele artists. Delegates included representatives from national and international royal houses.

Among the international guests was Royal Prince Dr Clyde Rivers of the Royal Diaspora Monarchy in the United States of America, who also serves as Ambassador-at-Large for the Republic of Burundi and Acting Representative to the United Nations for the Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative.

“This event creates legacy, history and reminds us of the place we call home – Africa where we honour our ancestors, tradition and culture,” said Rivers.