The Annual Commemoration, hosted outside Pretoria, celebrates the heritage and legacy of King Silamba of the AmaNdebele, honouring and promoting cultural tourism while contributing to the local economy.
The event was attended by Ndebele culture activists, historians, and dignitaries, including Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velinkosini Hlabisa, UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Learning, Professor Mashudu Davhana Maselesele, and former Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize.
UMP’s involvement aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University and the AmaNdebele Kingdom, reinforcing a shared commitment to preserving the Ndebele language and culture while showcasing the rich history of the AmaNdebele nation.
UMP Siyabuswa Campus Director, Dr Emmanuel Tshikwatamba, underscored the importance of fostering relationships with traditional leaders and royal houses.
“As an African university, it is important to engage with all stakeholders in order not to exist in isolation. One such important stakeholder is the traditional leadership of King Silamba of AmaNdebele, as they play an important role in African communities. Thus, liaising with the Kingdom of AmaNdebele is a noble initiative,” he said.
Dr Tshikwatamba also expressed pride in maintaining ties with the Ndebele Kingdom, highlighting UMP’s consistent participation in Komjekejeke over the past four years. The growing relationship has been reciprocated by the King’s attendance at significant university events, including UMP’s Decade of Excellence celebrations in 2023 and 2024.
The University of Mpumalanga has a Memorandum of Understanding with the AmaNdebele Kingdom.
For the UMP community, Komjekejeke holds particular significance, as the Ndebele cultural heritage is deeply embedded in the curriculum. The collaboration reinforces the enduring partnership between UMP and the Kingdom, demonstrating a shared commitment to cultural preservation and academic cooperation.
“Notably, isiNdebele is a language entrance requirement for the Foundation Phase qualifications, underscoring the university’s commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous languages.
We want students of the Ndebele nation to promote the language. If young people can learn the language at higher institutions, this might help, because one day we want to have experts and professors who can speak isiNdebele, and parents should encourage their children to study their language,” he said.
Dr Tshikwatamba further gave credit to UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekisa’s leadership in strengthening these ties, noting the University’s participation in a banquet organised by the King as a recent example of their continued engagement.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.