NO POLITICAL REGALIA
…Mpezeni bans politics at Nc’wala
By Thandizo Banda
PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni has warned against the use of political regalia at this weekend’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people of Zambia and Malawi.
The directive is likely to prevent the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) from hijacking the cultural event by reducing it to a campaign farce as it has been doing in the last two years.
UPND has been painting traditional ceremonies red with thousands of cadres clad in its politically branded T-shirts, caps and chitenge wrappers, which has attracted public condemnation.
The Ngoni Royal Establishment (NRE) said the Nc’wala was not a place for political competition or campaigns.
Speaking through his representative, Senior Chief Madzimawe, Paramount Chief Mpezeni said political party attire might not be appropriate for ceremony.
“Nc’wala this year is unique as we honour our late king, Zwangendaba, who died in 1845 in Tanzania and was buried in Nakonde. So, we are going beyond the usual symbolic crossing of the Zambezi River to honouring the legacy of our patriarch king,” he said.
The paramount chief urged Nc’wala attendees to focus on culture and traditions, warning that political regalia would not be allowed to avoid confusion and division.
“Nc’wala is a cultural celebration and not a political event. So, let’s keep politics at the door. The guests and visitors should leave their politics behind. It’s all about unity, tradition and good vibes,” he said.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni assured guests at this year’s Nc’wala ceremony of a high-level of security and warm hospitality.
He said Paramount Chief Mpezeni would not allow confusion at the Nc’wala as it was a symbol of unity, peace and prosperity.
“Delegates and guests attending the Nc’wala ceremony can expect top-notch security and warm hospitality. The event organisers have put in place robust security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. This is all about peace national unity and prosperity,” Paramount Chief Mpezeni said.
The ceremony has attracted guests from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Tanzania.
“This weekend’s event is set to welcome a diverse array of thousands of local and international guests and dignitaries, including tourists, eager to experience the rich Ngoni culture. We expect foreign guests from South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Eswatini and Tanzania to be part of the event, he said.
And Senior Chief Madzimawe says President Hakainde Hichilema will be the guest of honour at this year’s Nc’wala ceremony, to be accompanied by Malawian vice president Dr Jane Ansah.
“Today [Wednesday] Ngoni warriors [Impis] are expected to gather at Mtenguleni to prepare for the ceremony, showcasing their traditional attire and sharpening their skills for the festivities. Paramount Chief Mpenzeni is expected to leave his Feni palace for Mtenguleni, signalling the start of the yearly event tomorrow,” he said.
Senior Chief Madzimawe said the Ngoni people of Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and other countries were ready for the ceremony.
“The Paramount Chief Mpezeni has indicated that his people are ready for Nc’wala,” he said.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni had given permission for the Ngoni people’s spectacular celebration of heritage, migration and the first harvest.
The Nc’wala is expected to climax on Saturday at Mtenguleni, Chipata, Eastern Province.
