THE AmaHlubi Nation is hard at work preparing for the 102nd Isikhumbuzo Commemoration to be held from September 19 to 20.
Khayakhulu Village (big home for all) in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West Province, is the host venue, whose this years’ motto is Kude kwaba lapha uThixo enathi – “Until now, God has been with us”.
Held annually to commemorate the arrival of the AmaHlubi pioneers on the land they regarded as their promised land on 20 September 1924, this year’s event will be held under the theme: “Celebrating Land, Milk and Honey”, according to the The Fuba II Zibi Royal Family, together with the AmaHlubi Traditional Council and the AmaHlubi Chairman’s Foundation.
In September 1924, 19 courageous families left the Eastern Cape for what Nkosi Zibi envisioned as a “land of milk and honey” in the then Transvaal, now the North West Province—a place where his people could live, farm and build a sustainable future.
On 20 September 1924, the group reached the farm Rhenosterboom. They spent their first night beneath a large thorn tree, later named “Ebenezer”, meaning “Until now, God has been with us.”
Later that year, Rhenosterboom was renamed Khayakhulu, meaning “A Big Home for All.”
Today, iSikhumbuzo SaMaHlubi is far more than a remembrance of migration. It is a testament to social cohesion, cultural identity, self-reliance and inter-community solidarity.
The story of AmaHlubi akwa-Khayakhulu represents an extraordinary chapter in South African history—one defined by foresight, self-reliance and the determination to secure land for future generations.
During the First World War, young African men from the Eastern Cape volunteered for service through the South African Native Labour Corps. Among them were AmaHlubi men from eNcgwazi, including their visionary leader, Nkosi Nonkonyana Madoda Shadrach Fuba II Zibi, who passed on April 2023.
The late Chief also served as chairperson of North-West Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-san Leaders and worked with Government in addressing issues relating to traditional leadership in the province.
AmaHlubi arrived in NW on 20 September 1924, from Eastern Cape, led by Chief Zibi, who was amongst the young-men who volunteered to serve as soldiers in France alongside the Allied Forces in World War I. This led to some of these young-men dying when their ship, the SS Mendi, sunk.
According to the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), the Chief was an elder who was very instrumental in the establishment and sustenance of the Khayakhulu Congregation, which is on the outskirts of Rustenburg, within the Presbytery of the Tshwane.
He was the longest serving clerk of the session of that congregation.
He was a retired Professor of Humanities from the University of North West, where he also served as Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Kgosi Lutho Zibi- the son of the late Chief, says they look forward preserving and celebrating the legacy of AmaHlubi with members of the public, as they commemorate Isikhumbuzo.
The two-day event will be attended by dignitaries from SADC, Presidents, Kings & Queens, business figures, Gvt officials and ordinary members of the public.
It begins with an Umbiyozo -main public cultural celebration at the Ebenezer Heritage Monument Site on 19 September (Saturday); and on the 20th Sunday- it wraps up with Umthandazo – Prayer Day and Gathering.
Both programmes will begin from 9am.
For more information get hold of Mr Phindile Sidzumo
Tel: +27 71 326 9874 / +27 79 882 7807
Email: info@amahlubichairmansfoundation.co.za
Alternative email: acf.isikhumbuzo@gmail.com
Top Image SLM (King Lebone Molotlogi recorded interacting with Kgosi Lutho Zibi- CEO at AmaHlubi Chairman’s Foundation and wife during the Isikhumbuzo Commemoration in 2023.)
