By Wadza Botomani
Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, currently in Ghana, embarked on a deeply reflective and emotional journey as he visited the historic Cape Coast Castle, a key site in the transatlantic slave trade. The castle, with its haunting dungeons and the infamous “Door of No Return,” stands as a somber reminder of the brutal exploitation and suffering endured by millions of enslaved Africans.Â
During his visit, Dr. Zikhale took time to honor the memory of the ancestors who were forcibly taken from their homelands, subjected to inhumane conditions, and shipped across the Atlantic to endure lifetimes of forced labor in plantations, mines, and other brutal industries.Â
“This visit is a powerful reminder of our painful history,” Dr. Zikhale reflected. “We must never forget the atrocities committed against our ancestors. Their stories should inspire us to fight for justice, promote empathy, and uphold human rights for all.”Â
He also highlighted the role of African collaborators, such as Mlozi and Jumbe, who facilitated the slave trade, betraying their own people for personal gain. “These individuals will never be forgiven for their role in this dark chapter of our history,” he stated.Â
Dr. Zikhale’s pilgrimage to Cape Coast Castle underscores the importance of remembering the past to build a more just and equitable future. His visit serves as a call to action for continued education, reconciliation, and the preservation of African heritage.Â
*— Reporting from Ghana*
