Chief Chikwanda of the Bemba people in Mpika District in Muchinga Province says the late Paramount Chief Mphezeni will be greatly remembered for his selfless leadership style he provided to Eastern Province and the nation at large.
Chief Chikwanda has described the paramount Chief as a distinguished traditional leader who made significant contributions towards promoting peace, unity and co-existence among all Zambians.
Chief Chikwanda said this in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) at his palace in Mpika.
He said Mpika District has joined the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province, saying his demise is a great loss that has been deeply felt across provincial boundaries.
Chief Chikwanda said the country has lost a respected traditional leader whose dedication to national development, social cohesion and welfare of his subjects will be greatly missed by fellow chiefs, government and ordinary citizens.
He said Chief Mphezeni was a pillar of traditional governance who consistently used his position to champion the rights of his people while at the same time supporting national programmes aimed at improving the lives of all Zambians.
Chief Chikwanda further noted that the late Chief Mphezeni was particularly exemplary in the manner in which he collaborated with government institutions, civil society and fellow traditional leaders to resolve disputes and foster harmony among communities.
” In Eastern Province and beyond,
I call on all traditional leaders to draw inspiration from the late chief’s leadership.” He said,
And Mpika District Commissioner David Siame said the late Paramount Chief Mphezeni leaves behind a legacy worthy of emulation, adding that his passing marks a significant moment of loss for traditional leadership in Zambia.
Mr Siame said Chief Mphezeni greatly contributed to Zambia’s development in various areas, including agriculture, education and the promotion of cultural heritage.
 The DC expressed condolences on behalf of the people and administration of Mpika District to the Ngoni Royal Establishment and the people of Eastern Province and the nation as a whole.
Meanwhile, some residents of Mpika District who share tribal roots with the Ngoni people of Eastern Province highlighted the strong bond that exists between the Bemba and Ngoni people, noting that the two communities have long maintained ties of friendship, intermarriage and mutual respect that transcend geographic boundaries.
“We join our Ngoni friends in grief and expressed hope that the Ngoni Royal Establishment would identify a worthy successor to continue the great legacy that Paramount Chief Mphezeni has left behind,” he said
