Ndebele communities gather to commemorate the 1893 battle of Gadade

Members of the Ndebele community and the Zimbabwean diaspora are gathering at the Gadade Memorial Site in Mbembesi, Matabeleland North, to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Gadade.

The event honors the 1893 conflict where Ndebele warriors fought against the British South Africa Company forces led by Cecil John Rhodes. This annual commemoration serves as a means for the community to reclaim their cultural identity and ensure the history of their ancestors remains part of the living memory.

Organizers from Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi are coordinating the event to include historical presentations, a procession to the graves, and a special tribute to King Lobengula. The program includes visits to the graves of fallen white soldiers and a mass grave where Ndebele warriors are believed to be buried. Historians will provide context on the political and cultural experiences of the people during the First Matabele War.

Greater Sibanda, one of the event organizers, stated that the group is prioritizing youth participation to combat historical amnesia. The organizers also plan to develop the memorial site into a center for heritage tourism and historical learning. To ensure the event is accessible, the group arranged for limited free transport for school children and appealed to bus operators to provide affordable fares for the community.