By Celani Sikhakhane
- King Makhosonke Mabhena II helped open university doors for isiNdebele language studies and fought against the marginalisation of his people’s language.
- South African leaders have praised the late King for promoting education, preserving Ndebele culture and strengthening national unity.
Tributes continue to pour in for King Makhosonke Mabhena II, who is being remembered as one of the strongest champions of isiNdebele language and culture.
The King of the AmaNdebele nation died over the weekend at the age of 65 after serving on the throne since 1986.
Leaders from across South Africa have praised him as a man of wisdom, peace and cultural pride.
Democratic Alliance federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said King Makhosonke dedicated his life to promoting education and raising the status of isiNdebele.
“He created opportunities for university students to study and develop isiNdebele. He will also be remembered for helping vulnerable communities and supporting school children,” said Hill-Lewis.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the King as a pillar of unity, development and cultural preservation.
Born Enock Makhosonke Mabhena, the King spent decades protecting the customs, traditions and identity of the AmaNdebele akwaManala.
One of his proudest achievements was helping secure recognition for isiNdebele at university level.
In 2011, King Makhosonke welcomed a landmark agreement between the University of Venda and the Manala Kingdom to promote isiNdebele through teaching, research and the preservation of learning materials.
At the signing of the agreement, the King spoke openly about his concern that isiNdebele remained one of South Africa’s least recognised official languages.
Although it is one of the country’s 11 official languages, he believed it had not received the attention and support it deserved.
The agreement helped change that by creating opportunities for students to study the language and for researchers to develop more educational resources.
King Makhosonke said at the time that the partnership gave him hope that future generations would not lose their language and cultural identity.
Until his death, he also served as the first chairperson of the South African Kings Forum, a body supported by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Many believe his legacy will live on through the generations of young people who continue to learn, speak and celebrate isiNdebele.
Pictured above: King Makhosonke Mabhena II is being remembered for promoting isiNdebele language, education and Ndebele culture.
Image source: Facebook/AmaNdebele Kingdom
