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From left to right: King Ntshosho Zwane II, Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni, his wife and Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs, Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo follow proceedings

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
NTABAZINDUNA is set to become one of the biggest cultural hubs in the country as plans to construct an Amangwe cultural centre were availed during the annual Amangwe celebrations known as Umgubho which doubled up as a ground breaking ceremony on Saturday. The Amangwe cultural centre will act as a preserve of the ever dynamic Amangwe culture.

Speaking to Chronicle Showbiz, the chairman of the Zimbabwean Amangwe committee, Nkosinathi Ndiweni, said they were raising money to commence the project.

“Currently we’re looking for finances to ensure that the cultural centre becomes a success. In the process we will be looking for donations and funding from the cultural society because we can’t single-handledly venture into such a big project,” said Ndiweni.

He said it was befitting that the ground breaking ceremony for the Amangwe cultural centre was graced by the King Ntshosho Zwane II.

“The good part is that we’re celebrating our annual Umgubho as per our tradition in tandem with the ground breaking process. Fortunately the King of Amangwe is here as well to witness the process,” Ndiweni said.

“Our initial plan was just to hold Umgubho, but we were given a piece of land instead of a venue where we’re going to build our centre by Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe where we held Umgubho.”

Meanwhile, during his speech, King Ntshosho Zwane II said that his visit was more of revival project of the Amangwe nation.

“I’m here to revive the nation of Amangwe. No matter how much you get educated, if you don’t know your history, you’re as good as someone who doesn’t have a direction of where he/she is going,” said the King.

He apologised on the behalf of the Swaziland Amangwe community which failed to attend the Umgubho celebrations due to violent protests in South Africa.

Also present was the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs, Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo, who applauded the Amangwe community for upholding their culture.

“It’s very good for people to cherish and uphold their traditions. It gives our children who are still growing up the opportunity to learn the culture of different ethnic groups. The problem is that we take more seriously the white man’s culture than our own culture,” said Moyo.