The Mumena Royal Establishment yesterday celebrated a major milestone as Chief Mumena XI, marking 25 years of leadership, demonstrating the perfect blend of traditional wisdom and modern development.
Speaking during the event, Guest of Honour, Chief Munokalya Mukuni, applauded Chief Mumena’s dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the Kaonde people, while embracing progress.
“Your reign has shown us that tradition and development can walk hand in hand,” Chief Mukuni said.
The media reports that Chief Mukuni indicated that he celebrated Chief Mumena’s contribution not only to the Kaonde people, but to the nation as well.
He urged traditional leaders to stand together in solidarity across tribal lines to uphold cultural identity and strengthen community voice in national development.
Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with traditional leaders and highlighted initiatives such as infrastructure development through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), free education, school feeding programmes, cash for work, social cash transfer among others.
He applauded chiefs for spearheading development and urged them to continue changing the livelihoods of people.
In his speech, Chief Mumena reflected on his royal journey and the transformation of the Mumena Chiefdom since he ascended to the throne in 2000.
As the 11th chief in the Mumena lineage, he traced the historical migration of the Kaonde people from the Ikola region of present-day Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to their settlement in Kalumbila.
Chief Mumena further highlighted the chiefdom’s achievements, including improved security and various developmental projects.
The traditional leader also acknowledged the contributions of past leaders and individuals who have shaped the chiefdom.
He also emphasised the importance of unity and preserving the land for future generations.
“We do not own the land, the land owns us,” he remarked.
The picture on top is not Mumena
It is a picture of Evans Muhanga, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.
Before thinking of modernizing chiefs’ palaces, the welfare of their subjects should have been considered first. If government is praising itself that it has improved the lives of Zambians, no harm in carrying out an independent survey which obviously will show a complete disaster on the economic lives of the people on the ground. The living conditions have worsened since 2021 – FACT