Lunda Lubanza traditional ceremony fêted
EVERY YEAR in August, people from all walks of life gather in Mukanda Nkunda, the royal palace for senior chief Ishindi of the Lunda speaking people in Zambezi district about 564 kilometers from Solwezi the provincial capital of North western province. The purpose and reason of converging is to celebrate the Lunda Lubanza traditional ceremony of the Lunda speaking people of senior chief Ishindi. The Lunda Lubanza cultural ceremony, which was revived
in the late 1980s after a long absence, signifies the triumph of the Lunda people in successfully fulfilling a mission that Ishindi was sent by his father Mwanta Yamvwa. It is also a symbol of unity of all Lunda speaking people that have settled in Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia because the traditional leader presides on 54 chiefs from the countries mentioned. Apart from that, it is an expression of the Lunda ethnic pride and cultural identity. The event is ceremonious as it is also the occasion when Senior Chief Ishindi comes out of his palace to meet his subjects to discuss matters affecting his kingdom. The climax of the event is when Senior Chief Ishindi comes out of his palace to meet his subjects and discuss matters affecting his Lunda Chiefdom. When a royal gun is sounded at the east gate of the palace that symbolizes the grand entry of His royal highness senior chief Ishindi into the main arena. This follows the chief’s coming into the main arena while being lifted on the royal chair, behind him his wife, also into the arena on a chariot. But before entering the main arena, the chief is taken round the village. And each point he reaches, a royal gun is sounded which sends people into jubilations. This year’s event was unique in that it was attended by 19 traditional leaders from Angola, 10 from Democratic Republic of Congo and 8 from Zambia. The event was graced by Foreign Affairs minister Joe Malanji who was accompanied by North western province permanent secretary Ephraim Mateyo and district commissioners from within the province. In his speech, Mr Malanji eulogized the traditional leader for sustaining the Lunda Lubanza traditional ceremony saying it was a clear demonstration of the traditional leader’s intent to not only promote peace, harmony and unity among his people but also among other ethnic groups. And senior chief Ishindi commended government for various developmental projects in the district. Speaking through his spokesperson Brian Mukuyu, the traditional leader said the people in Zambezi are happy with the Patriotic Front government under the able leadership of president Edgar Lungu because he is unifying the country.