Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people has commended the Lozi-Bemba Cousinship Association for fostering unity, cooperation and mutual support among the two tribes.
The traditional leader says the association has been key in maintaining peace through promoting trust, understanding and solidarity even across other tribes.
Speaking when the Lozi-Bemba Cousinship Association Chairperson, Brian Kayongo, paid a courtesy call at his palace in Mungwi, the Mwine Lubemba noted that the association has been used in social relationships and is breaking barriers and strengthening national identity under the umbrella of the One Zambia One Nation motto.
“This association has strengthened national identity through social relationships in jokes and is breaking barriers,” he observed.
The Chitimukulu added that the traditional cousinship between the Lozis and Bembas has built strong inter-tribal relationships which have led to a sense of common identity and solidarity that transcends political or cultural division.
The traditional leader further indicated that the relationship between the two tribes has also helped to facilitate collective actions and mutual assistance during times of hardships.
The Paramount chief noted that activities of the association have also encouraged easy interaction among Lozis and Bembas in the nation.
“These Ngonis should not even feel jealous of us because we defeated them and they ran back to their land, we value old cousinship and it stands,” he jokingly said.
And Lozi-Bemba Cousinship Association Chairperson, Brian Kayongo, said the association has been key in preserving cultural traditions and family heritage by ensuring that these practices are passed onto future generations.
Dr Kayongo observed that the traditional cousinship in Zambia is a historical foundation among tribes which contribute significantly to national unity and harmony among groups.
“This cousinship has contributed to the unity and harmony among many tribes in the country,” he said.
He explained that the association allows for light-hearted teasing and humour, which can defuse tensions and replace conflict with love and respect.
Dr Kayongo also disclosed that the association helps to facilitate the movements of its members to attend and support other traditional ceremonies in the nation.
“We have been key in ensuring that we support and promote cultural exchange through attending various traditional ceremonies across the country,” he said.
He said the association has also embraced the Ngonis, who have been traditional cousins with Bembas and Tongas who have been playing traditional cousinship with the Lozis, to ensure the bond for these tribes continues to grow stronger.
Interesting. However, there is a pressing issue regarding one Mrs Mtonga and a Nchima who desecrated the Bemba tradition of ichilanga mulilo to gay “marriage” in south africa. That woman, her entourage and nchima must be summoned to the Mungwi and made to answer for this gross violation the scared tradition reserved for a union between a man and a woman. That was cultural misappropriation of the worst kind by sexual perverts. It should be stumped out before it takes root. Napita mukwai.
Ah kanshi yaliba formalized lozi bemba cousinship? And we who are overseas don’t know about it?
Let me visit my Lozi friend Mulena and slap him if he doesn’t serve me a beer!