Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart has welcomed growing international interest in the annual King Mzilikazi Day commemorations, saying the event is increasingly positioning the city as a destination for cultural engagement, tourism and investment.
His Worship Senator David Coltart, the Mayor of Bulawayo, on Thursday received a courtesy call from Ronnie Dunn, Co-Founder and Global Ambassador of the Africa, USA and UK Diaspora Alliance (AUUDA Africa), as international interest builds ahead of Saturday’s King Mzilikazi Day, known as Umgubho weNkosi uMzilikazi.
Dunn, an American national, is in Zimbabwe to attend the commemorations, which will bring together members of the Mzilikazi royal family, local communities, cultural figures and international visitors at the historic Mhlahlandlela site.
The engagement, held at the Mayor’s Parlour at the City Hall Municipal Building, also saw a delegation from King Mzilikazi’s family pay a visit to Senator Coltart.
AUUDA Africa is an international organisation focused on strengthening links between people of African descent in the diaspora and communities across the continent. With membership in the United States and the United Kingdom, the organisation seeks to promote cultural connections while creating opportunities for business, investment and collaboration between the diaspora and Africa.
The growing international profile of King Mzilikazi Day presents an opportunity that extends beyond cultural remembrance.
Senator Coltart noted that the commemorations were growing exponentially, attracting delegates from different parts of the world who are travelling to Bulawayo to participate in the event.
He also highlighted the potential economic benefits of the occasion, particularly as international visitors contribute to the city’s tourism, hospitality, transport and other sectors.
The Mayor and Dunn further discussed opportunities for deeper cultural engagement and collaboration between Zimbabwe and African communities in the diaspora.
The discussions come at a time when cultural heritage is increasingly being viewed as an important bridge between communities separated by geography but connected by history and identity.
King Mzilikazi, founder of the Ndebele Kingdom, remains a significant historical figure whose legacy stretches across generations and borders. The annual commemorations provide an opportunity to reflect on that history while bringing together people interested in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage associated with the kingdom.
Saturday’s programme is expected to draw several prominent figures and international visitors to Bulawayo. Senator Coltart is expected to deliver remarks at the City Hall Car Park before delegates travel to Mhlahlandlela, the historic site where the main commemorations will take place.
As the event continues to attract attention beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, King Mzilikazi Day is becoming more than an annual remembrance. It is emerging as a platform through which Bulawayo can showcase its history, culture and heritage to an international audience while opening conversations around tourism, investment and diaspora partnerships.