‘Not an Imposition, but a Reminder’ King Bulelani Defends Visit Amid Political Backlash

Tension is brewing between the government and cultural stakeholders after King Bulelani Lobengula kaMzilikazi issued a sharp rebuke to ZANU PF officials who condemned his recent visit to the City of Bulawayo.

This follows remarks by Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, who accused Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart of breaching protocol and “entertaining imposters,” referring to the monarch’s courtesy call at City Hall last week.

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa echoed the sentiment, suggesting the state would not tolerate what he termed “unauthorized parallel authorities.”

In a statement issued from his office in South Africa, King Bulelani denounced the government’s reaction as culturally insensitive and politically misplaced.

“His Majesty’s visit to Bulawayo was in no way a political event or an act of defiance. It was a private and dignified cultural pilgrimage to the historical heartland of the Ndebele people,” read part of the statement.

“The meeting with Mayor Coltart was conducted in a spirit of courtesy and national unity, reflective of our African tradition of mutual recognition among community leaders.”

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King Bulelani, a descendant of King Lobengula and great-grandson of Mzilikazi, emphasized that his role is not political but “restorative, cultural, and symbolic,” aimed at uniting the Mthwakazi people and preserving their heritage.

The monarch urged government officials to refrain from inflammatory language when addressing matters of traditional leadership.

“Dismissive language or threats of arrest directed at a traditional and cultural figure whose mission is reconciliation, unity, and empowerment—does not reflect the spirit of Ubuntu or the values enshrined in Pan-Africanism,” the King’s office stated.

Mayor Coltart, who previously defended the engagement, saying it was in line with promoting cultural inclusivity, has faced mounting pressure from the ruling party.

Garwe warned Coltart of disciplinary consequences, accusing him of undermining national governance structures.

However, King Bulelani’s office maintains that coexistence between traditional structures and state institutions is “not only possible but necessary” for a reconciled and inclusive Zimbabwe.

The statement also extended gratitude to Zimbabweans who supported the King’s visit and rejected what it called “attempts to erase cultural identity through political intimidation.”

“Inkosi YiNkosi Ngabantu,” the statement concluded, a declaration meaning “A King is King because of the people.”