Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
AN ongoing heritage tour in Zambia has brought into sharp focus the deep historical and cultural bonds between the Ndebele of Zimbabwe and the Tonga people of Zambia, reinforcing the Second Republic’s foreign policy thrust of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none”.
The tour of Tonga communities, including areas under Chief Pashu’s jurisdiction, has revealed how the history of the two groups is intertwined, dating back more than a century to the final days of Ndebele King Lobengula.
Tonga historian Joel Muleya said oral traditions have preserved accounts of how King Lobengula sought sanctuary among the Tonga people.
“It is information that has been passed down and preserved. Lobengula sought sanctuary here and was well received in the spirit of Ubuntu and African values. He came to his own people in other ways,” he said.
The extended hospitality left a lasting imprint, with one settlement in the area named Lobengula Village in honour of the Ndebele monarch.
The tour has also spotlighted a cave believed to have sheltered King Lobengula. The site is now earmarked under a government initiative to be preserved as a national shrine.
“This is a product of what happened in our history. This cave is revered here, and we will be happy to see its history preserved with dignity,” said Cephas Muleya of Lobengula Village.
Traditional leaders say the historical record challenges misconceptions about relations between the two communities.
Binga traditional leader Chief Pashu said ties between the Tonga and Ndebele were strong, noting that the then local chief accompanied the ailing King Lobengula across the Zambezi River into present-day Zambia, where he is believed to have spent his final days.
“He came and stayed here. That coming heralded a lot of intercultural changes. It was the first time the Ndebele language and customs were transferred to the Tonga people,” Chief Pashu said.
“Out of that interaction, there were even many intermarriages, and we still have families from back then who were naturalised into Tonga society.”
The heritage initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy between Zimbabwe and Zambia, countries often described as “Siamese twins” owing to their shared history and intertwined liberation struggles.
Beyond recounting historical events, organisers say the tour aims to correct distorted narratives and reaffirm the long-standing bonds forged through shared identity and resistance against colonial encroachment.
More than a century on, the Ndebele and Tonga communities on both sides of the Zambezi continue to celebrate these ties, which have shaped not only cultural relations but also the political, economic and diplomatic cooperation between Harare and Lusaka.
