Sizwe Mda Unveils New Book on the Descendants of King Lobengula

Makhanda, South Africa – In an effort to preserve and clarify the rich heritage of King Lobengula’s descendants, Sizwe Mda, a direct descendant of the Ndebele monarch, has released a new book shedding light on their historical journey from Zimbabwe to the Cape Colony during the colonial era. The book aims to clear up misunderstandings and trace the royal lineage, offering a detailed account of how the descendants of the revered king came to reside in South Africa.

In an interview, Mda explained the motivation behind the book, which delves into the complex history of his ancestors. "Many people have asked for a clear picture of the family tree, wanting to know who is who," Mda said. "There are even people in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, who claim to be descendants of King Lobengula. This book aims to set the record straight."

The story begins in the aftermath of the 1893 war between Lobengula's forces and the British South Africa Company led by Cecil John Rhodes. Following the defeat of the Ndebele, Rhodes transported many of the royal family members and descendants to what was then the Cape Colony, far from their homeland in Zimbabwe. "People often ask what happened to King Lobengula’s children. Many don’t know the full story—that they were banished and brought to South Africa, where they lived in obscurity," Mda explained.

One of the major themes of the book is the reflection on colonialism and its impact on both the Mda family and South Africa as a whole. Mda takes a nuanced approach to the subject, acknowledging the complicated legacy left by figures like Rhodes. "Sometimes you wonder if colonialism was good or bad because a lot of things could have been different. We can’t deny the terrible things that happened, but at the same time, it brought certain developments like the establishment of Rhodes University here in Makhanda," he said.

Mda’s family settled on a farm in the Eastern Cape after being relocated from the Western Cape. "There are so many unanswered questions about what happened to the children of King Lobengula. This book addresses that," Mda added, noting that this history has largely been forgotten, even within Zimbabwe, where the King vanished after fleeing to the Zambezi River.

In addition to chronicling his royal lineage, Mda’s book also looks at the broader history of Makhanda, including the Frontier Wars and the role played by figures like Makhanda ka Nxele and the British forces. He also touches on the untold stories of Fingo Village, where many of King Lobengula’s descendants were laid to rest. Mda expressed a strong desire to ensure that this history is preserved for future generations.

Beyond writing the book, Mda is also committed to local heritage and education. He is actively involved in initiatives aimed at teaching local students about their past, particularly those at Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School, where he has led projects to connect students with historical sites. "Many young people don’t understand our history," Mda said. "By taking them to old graves and historical landmarks, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for our roots."

The book, titled The Two Horns, is Mda’s way of contributing to the historical record and creating a lasting legacy for the descendants of King Lobengula. Proceeds from the book will go towards heritage preservation, local schools, and the construction of a cultural shrine in Makhanda.

With the publication of The Two Horns, Mda hopes to not only educate readers about the royal lineage but also restore a sense of pride in the heritage of the Ndebele people and their historical ties to Makhanda.

"History is crucial because it teaches us about the future," Mda said, underscoring the importance of remembering the past while working toward unity in the present.