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A celebration to welcome him will be held on 16 June.

King Ntshosho II was inaugurated in October last year in Durban.

The visit coincides with the annual Amangwe clan cultural celebrations.

In an interview yesterday, Amangwe international representative, Jamelinqaba Mbambo confirmed the development and said it was part of efforts to unite the clan that had been separated for more than 180 years.

He said the Mbambos and Ndiwenis were brothers and their lineage would be revealed on the day of the celebrations.

“We want to revive the Amangwe culture and unite them as they have been in separation for 180 years. In Zimbabwe the Mbambos and Ndiwenis are one, but all that will be revealed on the day of the celebrations,”  said Mbambo.

He said they were honoured to host King Ntshosho II and were looking forward to the celebrations.

“We are happy that we are now observing amasiko, as we were lost sheep, but now we have direction. King Ntshosho’s visit will make it easy for us to impart cultural knowledge to the community especially youths,” said Mbambo.

He said traditional dances such as isitshikitsha, umgubho and amabhiza form part of the Amangwe culture.

“There will be praise poets, imbongi from Bulawayo and Plumtree who will entertain the crowd. Ndolwane Super Sounds have confirmed that they are coming and a whole host of entertainment is lined up for the day,” said Mbambo.

He said food would be plentiful as five beasts, two kudus and a number of goats, sheep and chicken would be part of the menu.

“There will be traditional beer and food such as umngqutshu. People are encouraged to wear traditional garb to celebrate the day,” said Mbambo.

Renowned historian, Pathisa Nyathi has in the past said the Amangwe people comprise the Ndiweni, Mbambo and Zwane surnames.  He said it was strongly believed that one of them, Cikose Ndiweni, was mother of King Mzilikazi, which was why King Mzilikazi appointed Ndiweni chiefs in his nation.

This is the second visit to Zimbabwe by a king from South Africa, as last year Xhosa King, Zwelonke Sigcawu, came to Sojini Secondary School in Mbembesi where he celebrated Xhosa culture with the local Xhosa community and Zimbabweans from all walks of life.

He also made history by becoming the first Xhosa monarch to visit the country since the Xhosa came to Zimbabwe some 113 years ago.

The supreme Xhosa monarch was accompanied by chiefs and princes from South Africa at the event which was also attended by local Xhosa traditional leader, Chief Ndondo.