The great nation of Amahlubi is mourning its king's passing, Inkosi Madode’Nkundla Zibi (Ah!Dabulamanzi). Inkosi Zibi passed away peacefully surrounded by the royal family on Saturday night after a short illness at the Royal House at Khayakhulu. He. was the Principal Traditional Leader of AmaHlubi, both in the Eastern Cape and North West Provinces. He also served as the chairperson of the North West Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
In a statement, the North West Premier expressed sadness at the passing of Nkosi Madode’Nkundla Langa-La Sembo Zibi, describing him as having led his people with dignity. "He was an astute traditional leader who led his people with respect and dignity—working closely with the government in addressing several issues relating to traditional leadership. We are poorer without him,” Premier Maape said.
Nkosi Zibi was an academic and astute intellectual. He distinguished himself as a proponent of African people's history, culture, and heritage. "Throughout his life, he championed the socio-economic development and self-reliance of communities in rural areas which fall under the jurisdiction of traditional leaders," added Premier Maape.
The AmaHlubi tribe settled among the Batswana after the First World War. They arrived in what was then Western Transvaal and now called the North West Province on 20 September 1924. They were led by Nkosi Nonkonyana Shadrack Zibi, among the young men who volunteered to serve as soldiers in France alongside the Allied Forces in the First World War. Some of these men died when their ship, the SS Mendi, sunk into the sea.
The ANC in the province has also extended the organisation's condolences to the nation of the Amahlubi and the Royal Family. In a statement, the organisation said, iNkosi Zibi was instrumental in consolidating the critical work of building social cohesion without the blemishes of tribalism.
“iNkosi Zibi has led the nation of AmaHlubi diligently over the years. He has actively advocated for land re-distribution as a catalyst for the growth and development of the previously marginalised. Under his leadership, the community of Khayakhulu realised several projects aimed at ancestral land development. Furthermore, the great nation of AmaHlubi has been a leading illustration of the ANC’s belief that tribalism has no room in South Africa,” stated Tumelo Maruping.
The great nation of AmaHlubi has lived in Khaya Khulu since 1923 after the purchase of land in the North West with farms, namely Rhenostorboom, later renamed Khaya khulu, Mierust and Rampampaspoort, also renamed Nolanga.
