The Kingdom of the Bomvana Nation will host the annual gathering of all amaTshezi in South Africa, at the Gambushe Royal House at Gusi locality in Elliotdale, on September 21, 2024.
According to a statement issued by one of the organisers of this event, Chief Thandabantu Gwebindlala, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, and Executive Mayor of the Mbhashe Local Municipality, and Councillor Samkelo Janda, are some of the dignitaries invited and expected to be part of the biggest gathering in the history of amaTshezi since the years of territorial wars.
“The gathering will also focus on the rich ocean and land resources that the Bomvana Nation is endowed with, which could be used to eradicate the immediate challenges of unemployment, hunger, poverty, and substance abuse by the youth in Elliotdale,” read the statement.
Between 1 000 and 2 000 people are expected to grace the event with their presence, from all corners of the country.
Gwebindlala added that a huge contingent from KwaZulu-Natal, where the father of AmaBomvane comes from, is expected to be part of this event.
It added that another contingent will attend from Pondoland, where amaTshezi stayed for 197 years. There will also be amaTshezi from Gauteng, the Western Cape, and many parts of the Eastern Cape on both sides of the Kei River.
“While the day will be about celebrating amaTshezi and Bomvana, with no less than 12 cows and 24 sheep slaughtered for feasting on the day, the celebration will be preceded by break-away commissions on youth development, local economic development, education, arts and culture, agriculture, and fisheries, where key priority projects will be identified to assist the youth and the unemployed with opportunities,” according to the statement.
It further added that the gathering by amaTshezi in Gusi will mark great significance in the efforts to unify amaTshezi and rally them behind the common goal and their identity.
“The gathering will take place just two years before the 200th anniversary of the passing of King Gambushe, who died in February 1826. It will also endorse many other important days and events that mark the existence of amaBomvana as led by amaTshezi, which will be formally celebrated annually onwards,” the statement concluded.
