Nkayi traditional leader Chief Mbusi Bhekithemba Dakamela has received the Icons of Africa Royal Excellence Award 2026 and will also serve as one of the keynote speakers at the Icons of Africa Summit in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Chief Dakamela announced the recognition in a Facebook post, describing the award as an honour he received with “great humility and gratitude”.
He said the recognition should not be viewed as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the work being done by communities, cultural institutions, partners and others working to preserve African heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to our communities, our cultural institutions, our partners, and to everyone committed to preserving our heritage while creating opportunities for future generations,” he said.
Chief Dakamela said traditional leadership carries responsibilities that extend beyond the preservation of culture, arguing that traditional leaders also have a role to play in community development, empowerment, excellence and progress.
“Traditional leadership carries a responsibility beyond the preservation of culture. It must also contribute to community development, empowerment, excellence and progress,” he said.
He pointed to the iMiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival as one of the initiatives through which his leadership seeks to celebrate the achievements and talents of local people while keeping African heritage at the centre of development.
“Through initiatives such as iMiklomelo kaDakamela Cultural Festival, we continue to celebrate the talent and achievements of our people while placing African heritage at the centre of development,” he said.
The Chief also expressed gratitude to the Icons of Africa Awards for recognising his work and providing a platform that celebrates African leadership and impact beyond national borders.
The Icons of Africa Awards 2026 – East Africa Edition is scheduled to take place in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from 27 to 28 November 2026.
Chief Dakamela concluded his message with the words: “Strong roots build stronger nations.”