Zimbabwe community honours Ndebele warriors at Battle of Gadade site

Hundreds of people gathered at Ntabazinduna on Saturday to honor Ndebele warriors who died defending their kingdom against colonial forces in 1893.

The event, organized by Umhlahlo Wesizwe SikaMthwakazi, commemorated the First Matabele War. Participants included traditional leaders, members of the royal family, and community members from various generations to celebrate Ndebele culture and reflect on the sacrifices made during the conflict. Prince Leo Zulukandaba Khumalo and Prince Ndumiso Khumalo led the proceedings.

Attendees took a historical tour of the Gadade battlefield, visiting the main stone near the Bulwayo-Harare highway and the mass graves of colonial soldiers from the British South Africa Company. The tour concluded at the main burial site of the Ndebele warriors. Chief Ndiweni, the Regent Chief of Ntabazinduna, called for the government to grant the monuments national recognition.

He urged the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe to protect the site as a piece of national history. Chief Mbusi Dakamela of Nkayi spoke about Ubuntu, a moral foundation of unity, and urged the community to practice these values in their daily lives. Highlanders Football Club joined the commemorations as part of its centenary celebrations.

Board member Elkanah Dube stated that the club identifies with the history of the Ndebele people and the legacy of King Lobengula. Organizers also emphasized youth participation to ensure that younger generations understand and preserve the heritage of the fallen warriors.