Vinkakanimba ceremony preps gear up

PREPARATIONS for Vinkakanimba traditional ceremony of the TumbukaYombe people of Mafinga are progressing well.

Organising committee vice chairperson Kennedy Sichone said all the necessary logistics were being put in place in readiness for the traditional annual event slated for August 24, 2019.

Mr Sichone said 12 traditional

leaders from Malawi and Zambia were expected to attend the ceremony.

“We are expecting nine chiefs from within Zambia and three from neighbouring Republic of Malawi at this year’s ceremony,” Mr Sichone said.

He said all the invited traditional leaders were expected to come with at least one cultural group to display various cultural dances and entertain spectators.

Mr Sichone said Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of Zambia Catherine Namugala, Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Lawrence Sichalwe, Muchinga Province minister, provincial permanent secretary and Mafinga member of Parliament and his Rhumpi West counterpart from the neighbouring Malawi are also expected to attend the event.

“This year’s ceremony will attract both local and foreign dignitaries from Zambia and Malawi namely the deputy speaker of National Assembly, Chiefs and Traditional Affairs minister, Muchinga Province minister, provincial permanent secretary, district officials, members of Parliament from Mafinga and Rhumpi West in Malawi and other senior officials,” he said. Mr Sichone appealed for more financial support from well-wishers for the successful holding of the ceremony. He said the Tumbuka– Yombe people from across the country were also expected to attend the event.

Vinkakanimba is the traditional ceremony of the Yombe people under Chief Muyombe cerebrated to recognise the first Tumbuka hunter called Vinkakanimba in the 17th century and thank God for a good harvest.

We are expecting nine chiefs from within Zambia and three from neighbouring Republic of Malawi at this year’s ceremony,” — Mr Sichone.