JACK ZIMBA,
MAYENGO NYIRENDA
Chipata
THE distressful roar of a lion, made by a man blowing a ram’s horn, reverberated across the field yesterday as the casket of Ngwenyama Nkosi Yamakhosi Mpezeni IV was lowered into the ground, signalling the close of a chapter for the Ngonis of Zambia. For a people who have known only one leader for four decades, it was a defining moment, accompanied by a strong call to continue Mpezeni’s legacy. President Hakainde Hichilema, who led thousands of people in bidding farewell to Mpezeni at his Ephendukeni Palace in Chipata, described him as a “great son of Zambia” who contributed to national development through agriculture.
The President also acknowledged the late chief’s efforts in promoting the Ncwala ceremony. But there was also a strong message on the need for a proper succession process from chiefs of the Abangoni kingdom spread across southern Africa. Paramount Chief M’mbelwa of Malawi, who holds the right to anoint the next Mpezeni, stated that he will perform the coronation of the new king once the royal family has identified That will be after the yearlong mourning period. “Once this is done, the crown prince will be in a position to fill the vacuum left by the departed king and act in his full office until the end of the traditional mourning period, which is one year.
After that, I will return to install him,” he said. Chief M’mbelwa emphasised the need to build a future defined by courage, solidarity, compassion and collective action in honour of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, whom he described as a straight-talking and courageous leader. Although he did not mince his words, he added that sometimes the late chief’s frankness caused controversy and debate. Chief M’mbelwa said Mpezeni IV led his people with courage, wisdom and deep love. “His life was a bridge between generations, a steady hand in times of change, and avoice that brought us dignity and service,” he said.
“Let us remember his laughter, his counsel and the countless small acts that revealed his devotion to our communities.”The traditional leader also emphasised the strong bond between the Ngonis of Mzimba and the Ngonis of Zambia, built on their shared past as blood brothers from the household of Zwangendaba.
A similar message on succession came from King Misuzulu of the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa, delivered by Prince Thulani. He urged the Ngoni Royal Establishment to consult within the family tree to find a successor to the late paramount chief. However, Ngoni Royal Establishment spokesperson Chief Mnukwa said there is no vacuum in the kingship, perhaps suggesting that the succession process is already underway. The Ngonis follow a patrilineal system of succession in which a son succeeds his father. “We know that Mpezeni IV is survived by a wife and one known child,” Chief Mnukwa announced, his emphasis on the word “known” drawing laughter from the crowd. At the burial, when the master of ceremonies called on the children – with emphasis on “biological” – to lay wreaths, only his daughter, Justina, stepped forward.
Chief Mpezeni’s funeral was a blend of Ngoni culture, Catholic tradition and military ceremony, with his casket draped in the Ngoni flag, a lion’s skin and the Zambian flagThe short route from his old palace to the burial site was lined with military personnel and a human cordon formed by half-naked impis. More than 90 royals from around the region attended the funeral. Notable among them were Zulu Gama of the Ngoni in Tanzania, representatives of the Zulu nation in South Africa, representatives of King Mswati III of Eswatini, representatives of the Litunga, and chiefs from Southern and Luapula provinces. In a rare show of unity, Gawa Undi of the Chewa sat next to Chief M’mbelwa. Chief Madzimawe thanked Kalonga Gawa Undi for mourning with the Ngoni people by attending the burial.
“Let us open a new chapter. We are one people,” the traditional leader said. Chief Madzimawe also thanked President Hichilema for according Inkosi Mpezeni IV an official funeral and declaring June 9 a day of national mourning. The traditional leader said the Government’s gesture had eased the burden on the bereaved family and the royal establishment. At exactly 14:35 hours, Mpezeni’s casket was lowered into the ground as the military rendered a gun salute, followed by the sounding of the Last Post….https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
