Esicongweni Sentaba: Ubizo lukaBuzetsheni Mdletshe, iNyosi yeSilo saMabandla uZwelithini kaBhekuzulu - Sixoxa noNgomane

This episode was made possible through a partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute (The Institute). 

Thank you to UKZN Press for the collaboration on this episode.

In this episode, we are in conversation with iNyosi Buzetsheni Mdletshe about Esicongweni Sentaba, a book co-authored by Professor Zondi, Nelisiwe Zondi and iNyosi Mdletshe. Together, they take us on a journey deeply rooted in Zulu history, oral tradition and cultural heritage. Through the power of storytelling, iNyosi Mdletshe, also known as Ngomane, reflects on his remarkable journey as a royal praise singer who served King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu for more than five decades, sharing insights into royal life, the significance of izibongo, and the enduring responsibility of preserving the rich traditions and history of the Zulu nation for future generations. 

About the Authors

Buzetsheni Mkhohliseni Mdletshe is a distinguished Zulu praise singer (iNyosi), oral historian and custodian of Zulu cultural heritage. Born in KwaCeza in 1955, he grew up surrounded by the rich traditions, histories and customs of the Zulu nation. His family heritage is deeply rooted in the longstanding relationship between the Mdletshe lineage and the Zulu royal house, with knowledge and traditions passed down through generations.

Mdletshe's calling as a praise singer developed from his early encounters with the royal household. Over the years, he became widely recognised for his service to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, whom he served for more than five decades. In his role as iNyosi, he performed praises, announced the King's arrival at important gatherings and helped preserve the historical memory, values and traditions associated with the Zulu monarchy.

His work extends beyond praise singing. Through his knowledge of Zulu history, customs and oral traditions, Mdletshe represents an important link between the past and the present. Praise singing is not merely a performance; it is a living form of historical expression through which the achievements, character, lineage and responsibilities of leaders are remembered and communicated to future generations.

His life and experiences are documented in Esicongweni Sentaba: Ubizo lukaBuzetsheni Mdletshe, iNyosi yeSilo saMabandla uZwelithini kaBhekuzulu, co-authored by Professor Nompumelelo Zondi and Nelisiwe Zondi, with Buzetsheni Mdletshe. The book preserves his personal memories, cultural knowledge and experiences, offering readers valuable insight into the significance of iNyosi within Zulu society.

Through this work, Mdletshe's story becomes part of a broader effort to safeguard indigenous knowledge, celebrate African oral traditions and honour the individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving cultural heritage. His legacy reminds us that history lives not only in written records, but also in the voices, memories and lived experiences of those who carry it. 

Professor Nompumelelo Zondi is a distinguished South African scholar, researcher and author whose work focuses on African languages, literature, oral traditions, gender studies and indigenous knowledge systems. She holds a PhD in African Languages (isiZulu) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of African languages, cultural heritage and intellectual traditions. Through her scholarship and publications, Professor Zondi seeks to document African histories, amplify voices that have been overlooked and ensure that indigenous knowledge is preserved for future generations.

Nelisiwe Zondi is a co-author of Esicongweni Sentaba: Ubizo lukaBuzetsheni Mdletshe, iNyosi yeSilo saMabandla uZwelithini kaBhekuzulu. Her contribution to this work forms part of an important effort to record and preserve the life, experiences and cultural legacy of Buzetsheni Mdletshe, a renowned Zulu praise singer who served the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu for more than five decades.

Together, the authors contribute to the preservation of isiZulu oral history, cultural memory and indigenous knowledge. Through Esicongweni Sentaba, they help bring the rich traditions of praise singing, the significance of royal service and the history of the Zulu nation to a wider audience. Their work highlights the importance of documenting the experiences of cultural custodians and ensuring that their knowledge, wisdom and legacy continue to inspire future generation. 

The Podcast:
Camera: Mluleki Dlamini & Siyabonga Meyiwa
Sound: Sibusiso 'Dust' Nkosi
Editing: Mluleki Dlamini 
Co-ordinator: Phumelele Khambule
Host: Nongcebo Vukile McKenzie

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