Thursday, March 28, 2024

Paramount chief Mpezeni cancels this year’s Ncwala ceremony

Share

Paramount chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni Speaking People of Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia has declared that there will be no hosting of the Ncwala ceremony in 2021 due to COVID-19.

The traditional ruler said he has made this decision after consultations with his chiefs and Government through the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Speaking during a briefing held at Mtenguleni today, Paramount chief Mpezeni said COVID-19 has claimed a lot of lives in Zambia and as a result he has decided not to host the ceremony this year in order to safeguard the lives of the people.

“This leadership I have is for the people and without you my people then the leadership will be meaningless. This disease has killed a lot of people, I have decided not to host the ceremony this year because I care about my people’s welfare and I don’t want to be blamed if ever there was any loss of lives as a result of COVID-19,”he said.

Paramount chief Mpezeni said the lives of his subject’s matter adding that not hosting the Ncwala ceremony this year does not mean the end of the Ngoni or their culture.

“We are going to have the ceremony in the future when life is back to normal. I put God first in all that I do and the lives of my people matters a lot. God will give us direction and one day when everything is back to normal, we may have the ceremony,” he said.

Paramount chief Mpezeni advised other traditional rulers in the country to follow the decision that he has made in order to avoid the further spread of the virus.

The traditional ruler commended President Edgar Lungu and other stakeholders for rendering material, financial and technical support in the preparations of this year’s Ncwala ceremony.

“As Ngoni Royal Establishment, we did all we could to prepare for the ceremony with guidance from MOH (national and provincial) offices. We have also taken note that going ahead with the ceremony would surely endanger the lives of many people including our own Ngonis.

“To all my tribesmen (Bakiti), please bear with us. It would not be right to rejoice for three days and mourn or put in danger our loved ones after. I have tried to see if the numbers of COVID-19 affected people would reduce but this is not the case, numbers have continued rising especially in Eastern Province,” he said.

And Chipata District Commissioner Kalunga Zulu has commended Paramount chief Mpezeni for making a bold decision of not hosting the Ncwala ceremony this year.

Mr Zulu said that the traditional ruler made the decision out of the best interest of all Ngonis from Malawi , Mozambique and Zambia; but also other people in the country.

“As government, we are happy with this bold decision by Paramount chief Mpezeni. This is good leadership, His Royal Highness cares very much for his people and does not want anyone to die from COVID-19,” he said.

16 COMMENTS

  1. We understand mfumu. Unfortunately those of you who were planning to enjoy women at ncwaala you have lost opportunity. Next year chabe kiki. The condom businesses have lost money as ncwala attracts alot of condom usage. I am still advocating for a ban of condoms as we are a Christian nation

    5
    2
  2. Its not your decision. You had already announced that the ceremony will take place. Its actually government that has banned all traditional ceremonies so you had no choice. Don’t make it look as if you care for the people.

    3
    3
  3. It is foreign tourists who boost the Chipata economy during this N’cwala ceremony. If they do not come, it is a futile exercise. Which Zambian wants to see Nkhosi drink blood?

  4. Announcing that it would take place was a grave error in judgment.

    At least you have listened to our objections.

    You can wait another year to feast on those young girls

    2
    1
  5. He is Chief of Ngonis in Zambia only, not South Africa or Malawi. Ngunis in South Africa are either Ndebele, Zulu, Swati it Xhosa and none of them have even heard of Mpezeni Jere.

  6. Well done Chief! Such mass gatherings are Covid-19 Superspreaders. To slowdown Covid-19 Infections the Govt should also stop or regulate Covid-19 Superspreader events like Funerals, Weddings, Parties, Church Services,Political Rallies/working visits etc. Contrary to PF perceptions Covid-19 doesn’t discriminate and Politicians are not immune from the disease. Pictures have been shown where the President was attending funerals and “working visits” not wearing a mask and not practicing social distancing. This is very dangerous. The handlers are putting the President at risk of being infected by this deadly disease. The Govt should respect Science in managing this pandemic. Weaponising Covid-19 by the PF Govt is not only unfair but will multiply Covid-19 Infections in Zambia resulting…

Comments are closed.

Read more

Local News

Discover more from Lusaka Times-Zambia's Leading Online News Site - LusakaTimes.com

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading