In a powerful act of remembrance and cultural pride, King Silosohlanga kaDakhile Sigcau paid tribute to the Kings, Chiefs, Amaqhawe (heroes), and amaQhawekazi (heroines) of the Mpondo Kingdom at a commemorative ceremony held at Freedom Park, Pretoria, on 31 May 2025.
@pondoland.times King Silosohlanga kaDakhile honouring and laying wreath to the victims of the Mpondo Revolt at Freedom Park #amampondokingdom #amampondo #royalkingdom
The event, hosted by Freedom Park CEO Dr. Jane Mafumadi, honoured legendary Mpondo figures who resisted colonial rule and played pivotal roles in South Africa’s liberation struggle. Among those commemorated were King Faku kaNgqungqushe, King Marhelane ka Sigcau, King Sigcau, and Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau. Also recognized were the fallen martyrs of the Mpondo Revolt, whose names are permanently etched on Freedom Park’s Wall of Names.
The commemoration was especially significant for King Silosohlanga, whose father King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau passed away on the same date in 2022. One of King Zanozuko’s final public appearances was also at Freedom Park, adding emotional depth to the tribute.
Following a dignified wreath-laying ceremony, King Silosohlanga delivered the keynote address at the launch of the South African Royal Princesses Network (Imbumba yamaKhosazana on Mzantsi Africa). This network — founded by Princess Stella Sigcau II of the Mpondo Kingdom in 2019 — is the first of its kind, dedicated to empowering royal women and preserving indigenous leadership heritage.
The culturally rich event not only honoured the memory of Mpondo resistance heroes but also reaffirmed the ongoing relevance of traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa.
