Mpezeni makes victorious drive into Chipata

PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people in Eastern Province, yesterday rekindled the spirit of unity and togetherness among tourist and Easterners when he made a historic appearance inviting hundreds of people to attend Nc’wala traditional ceremony.

The Ngoni’s most powerful man and custodian of all traditional rituals for his people made his first ever public appearance in an open van breaking his tradition of appearing in a covered car.

He was escorted by Chief Madzimawe and the Deputy Secretary to Cabinet in charge of Finance and Economic Development, Christopher Mvunga among other dignitaries.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni, could not escape the many nudgings from his tribal cousins, the Bemba-speaking people, who took turns to block his way through to his destination in Mutenguleni where the festival would be held. The Paramount chief who was driven in the open van all the way from Ependukeni to Laweni, west of Chipata on Lusaka road, passionately took turns to wave and pass greetings to the hundreds of people who lined up along the way on both sides of the Great East Road .

Nc’wala traditional ceremony watered down every possible diverging opinions on various political and social divides, bringing people together to celebrate successful new harvest. The festival witnesses the Paramount Chief blessing people to now freely enjoy their harvest.

Meanwhile, Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Lawrence Sichalwe said Government was delighted that traditional leaders had responded positively to its call for them to take ownership of traditional ceremonies.

Mr Sichalwe also said government remained committed towards supporting the holding of traditional ceremonies .