Unyielding Nehanda: A Spiritual Embodiment of Resistance

In the annals of Zimbabwe’s quest for sovereignty, the name Mbuya Nehanda resonates as a symbol of unwavering resistance against colonial oppression. Born Charwe Nyakasikana around 1862, this remarkable woman embodied the spirit of the revered ancestral figure Nyamhita Nehanda, becoming a conduit for her people’s aspirations for freedom and self-determination.

As a prominent svikiro (spirit medium) and leader of the Zezuru Shona people, Nehanda’s influence transcended the realms of spirituality and extended into the realm of political activism. Her connection to the ancestral spirits granted her a profound understanding of the intrinsic bond between her people and their land, fueling her defiance against the encroaching forces of colonialism.

The Advent of British Colonialism: Sowing Seeds of Discontent

In the late 19th century, the British South Africa Company, spearheaded by the ambitious Cecil John Rhodes, embarked on an aggressive campaign of colonization in the region now known as Zimbabwe. Through deceitful tactics, Rhodes secured mining rights from King Lobengula of the Ndebele people, paving the way for an influx of British settlers and the establishment of a colonial regime.

As the settlers’ presence grew, so too did the resentment among the indigenous populations. Land confiscation, forced labor, and the imposition of taxes fueled a growing sense of injustice and resistance. It was during this tumultuous period that Nehanda emerged as a beacon of hope, rallying her people to defend their ancestral lands and traditions.

The First Chimurenga: Nehanda’s Clarion Call to Arms

In 1896, Nehanda received a directive from Mkwati, the revered Shona chief priest, to mobilize her forces against the colonial invaders. Heeding this call, she established her military headquarters in the caves of the Husaka Mountain, strategically guarding each entrance with her loyal soldiers.

Nehanda’s influence extended beyond the boundaries of the Shona people, as even King Lobengula recognized her spiritual prowess and allowed her to recruit warriors from his kingdom. Her messages carried a sense of urgency, urging her followers to defend their land, culture, and sovereignty against the oppressive colonial rule.

Forging Unity through Spiritual Guidance

A defining aspect of the First Chimurenga (War of Liberation) was the pivotal role played by spiritual leaders like Nehanda, Kaguvi, and Mukwati. Their guidance and leadership united various ethnic groups, transcending tribal boundaries and fostering a collective resistance against the British colonizers.

Nehanda and her counterparts were revered as the voices of Mwari, the supreme creator deity in the Shona cosmology. Their prophecies and spiritual fortitude infused the resistance movement with a sense of divine purpose, inspiring unwavering courage and determination among their followers.

The Struggle Continues: “My Bones Shall Rise Again”

Despite initial victories on the battlefield, the First Chimurenga ultimately succumbed to the superior firepower and resources of the British forces. In December 1897, Nehanda was captured in the Dande district and brought to trial in Salisbury (present-day Harare).

Charged with the murder of Native Commissioner Henry Hawken Pollard, a notorious figure known for his cruelty, Nehanda refused to convert to Christianity, remaining steadfast in her commitment to her people’s traditions. On March 2, 1898, she was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging.

However, even in the face of execution, Nehanda’s defiance remained unbroken. Uttering the prophetic words “My bones shall rise again,” she ignited a flame of resistance that would burn across generations, inspiring future liberation movements and the eventual overthrow of colonial rule.

The Second Chimurenga: Nehanda’s Legacy Reignited

Nehanda’s words echoed through the decades, resonating with the nationalist movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Guerrilla factions such as the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) invoked her spirit, drawing inspiration from her unwavering determination to reclaim the land and restore their people’s dignity.

Women played a crucial role in the Second Chimurenga, with many joining the ranks of freedom fighters and embracing the mantle of Nehanda’s legacy. Their participation was not merely a matter of increasing numbers but a defiant assertion of their right to emancipation and equality.

Commemorating the Resilient Spirit

In the years following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, Nehanda’s enduring legacy has been celebrated through various commemorative efforts. Streets, hospitals, and public monuments have been dedicated to her memory, ensuring that her spirit continues to inspire future generations.

Perhaps the most poignant tribute is the ten-foot-tall statue of Nehanda erected in the heart of Harare, the nation’s capital. This towering monument serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for Zimbabwe’s freedom and the enduring power of resistance against oppression.

The Bones that Rose: Land, Identity, and Belonging

At the core of Nehanda’s struggle lay the fundamental issue of land ownership and the intrinsic connection between the indigenous people and their ancestral territories. The loss of land not only deprived them of their means of sustenance but also threatened their very identity and sense of belonging.

Through her unwavering resistance, Nehanda championed the cause of reclaiming the land that had been usurped by colonial forces. Her legacy underscores the profound significance of land as a symbol of dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination – a legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary discourses on land rights and social justice.

The Enduring Resonance of Nehanda’s Spirit

Nehanda’s story transcends the boundaries of Zimbabwe, resonating with liberation movements and struggles for self-determination across the African continent and beyond. Her defiance against colonial oppression and her unwavering commitment to her people’s traditions have cemented her status as an enduring symbol of resilience and the indomitable human spirit.

As nations grapple with the lingering legacies of colonialism and strive to forge their own paths, Nehanda’s example serves as a reminder of the power of resistance, the strength of unity, and the enduring bonds between people and their ancestral lands.

In the words of the renowned Zimbabwean author Chenjerai Hove, “The loss of that land resulted in emasculation, alienation, and oppression.” Nehanda’s bones did indeed rise, igniting a flame that would ultimately burn away the shackles of colonial subjugation and pave the way for a future where the people of Zimbabwe could reclaim their rightful place on the land that nurtured their ancestors.