Honouring Women of Power and the Positive Impact their Journey Provides: Celebrating the Life of uMatshangisa

Celebrating Imboni/Igogo Dr. uZwi-Lezwe Radebe’s beloved late mother, the second annual Isikhumbuzo sika Gogo Winnet Siphokazi Mbiza was held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban, Emazweni on October 28, 2023.

The myriad consisted of virtual and physical attendance from different parts of the world. The Zulu royal house graced the event with the TRSH Upper House, TRSH council and well of course Amasosha, the Blue Nation who embodies love and warmth, a unique trait exclusive to the chosen nation.

The panelists of the day were prominent women in society, who imparted their wise insights on the negative stereotypes associated with women. Under the theme, Honouring Women of Power and the Positive Impact their Journey Provides, the event accentuated the greatness of love, humility and above all to stand true to who you are. “Born a princess I never imagined myself becoming a queen one day and my grandmother instilled in me the values of love and humility that have brought me to my current position as Queen. You as a woman are the powerhouse of your home” said Queen Sekhothali Seeiso of the Ndebele Kingdom.

Expressing herself through her musical gift, legendary Ms Yvonne Chaka Chaka aka Princess of Africa ascended the podium with her Kana Uchema(when you cry), a song’s lyrics that mention the loss of a mother and child, as well as a sick partner. The chorus reiterates that when she cries, her heart feels sad, but the singer encourages her not to cry and assures her that they feel her pain. “Imboni has shown us today how strong and an ocean of nurturing a woman is, we learnt today how to respect a mother from Imboni” applauded  Yvonne Chaka Chaka as she further instructed her son, Themba to look up to Imboni and learn how to respect a mother.

In a panel discussion South African actress and musician, Sindi Dlathu, emphasized the greatness of humility, ” I will ingeminate Queen Sekhothali’s words where she said to keep your head down but your eyes up, so to see what’s happening around you, that is a pure sign of humility. Since I am just a human being on Earth and can only do what the Creator has given me talent for, I should not be worshipped”.Imboni’s recent revelation spiritual teachings, “a spiritual gathering is not planned physically but spiritually” attained fruition as the panelists effortless shed wisdom to empower women and have them go out there and affirm  their presence as the transporters of life.”We have not come together to single handedly honor my mother, however you should return to your respective spaces with something worthwhile from today’s gathering.

We need wiser women and I am grateful to our panelists who have breathed great wisdom here today”, lauded Imboni.In her vote of gratitude, Ms Nandi Nyembe stressed young men to respect women as they play significant roles not only in nurturing life, but in the bringing of life to the world.

Recitals by Imithente, Ingane zoMa and Yvonne Chaka Chaka drew the crowds closer to the core of African culture, with electrifying performances.