By Nomsa Dube
Harare, Zimbabwe – [News Of The South] – Amidst ongoing discussions about Zimbabwe’s rich pre-colonial history, a member of the Mbari clan has stepped forward to assert the continued existence and active pursuit of restoration for the traditional royal family of Harare.
Speaking passionately about her heritage, Princess Eugene Majuru, the Princess of Harare has challenged narratives that suggest the absence of a royal lineage in the capital city. She emphasizes that the Mbari clan, who historically ruled under Kings Mbari and Makombe prior to the colonial era, not only survived a period of intense persecution but has thrived and continues to exist in significant numbers today, both within Harare, across Zimbabwe, and internationally.
“It is crucial to understand that the destruction of the physical kingdom did not equate to the extermination of the royal bloodline,” the Princess stated. “Royalty is inherent in our DNA, in our lineage. The loss of our ancestral lands and the destruction of structures do not erase our heritage or our royal status. To suggest otherwise is a dangerous and misleading narrative that risks further colonising the African identity.”
The Princess highlighted the resilience and strategic intelligence of the Mbari clan leaders who ensured the survival and growth of the clan despite facing a period of genocide. She asserted that the Mbari clan is actively working towards the restoration of their kingdom, which she clarified primarily entails the return of their ancestral lands.
“Wouldn’t it be illogical to claim the absence of a royal family now, only to acknowledge their existence upon the completion of restoration efforts?” she questioned. “We are here, we have always been here. We are merely awaiting the return of what was unjustly taken from us.”
This assertion comes at a significant time for Zimbabwe, as the nation prepares to celebrate its 45th Independence Day on April 18th. While acknowledging this milestone, the Princess also voiced a sentiment shared by many regarding the incomplete nature of true independence.
“As Zimbabwe marks 45 years of independence, we must also remember that our journey towards full liberation is ongoing,” she stated. “The remains of our ancestors, who were massacred and whose heads were stolen as war trophies to be displayed in foreign museums, are still held by those who sought to erase our history. This generation is determined to reclaim what was stolen and destroyed.”
The Princess’s powerful statement underscores a growing movement within Zimbabwe to reclaim and accurately represent pre-colonial history and heritage. It challenges prevailing narratives and calls for a deeper understanding of the enduring presence and aspirations of traditional royal families like that of Harare. The ongoing efforts for restoration signify a commitment to preserving cultural identity and rectifying historical injustices.
As Zimbabwe approaches its Independence Day, the voices advocating for the recognition and restoration of traditional leadership serve as a potent reminder that the past continues to shape the present and the pursuit of true liberation encompasses not only political independence but also the reclaiming of cultural heritage and ancestral dignity.
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