Mbundas rejoice in style

MONGU Central Business came to a standstill when the Mbunda speaking people of Western province at the weekend showcased their lifestyle to celebrate their rich culture, Cheke Cha Mbunda traditional ceremony.

The ceremony started with the Makishi gathering at Mongu business centre and proceeded to Limulunga’s Mushuwa Royal Village of Chief Chiengele, which is situated about 3km away from the Barotse Royal Establishment of the Lozi people.

The Mbunda Royal Establishment reiterated that the Mbunda were a distinct group with their own unique history, culture and customs.

The Mbundas and Lozis had differences in the region following claims that the Lozis were superior and the Mbundas make up 48 percent of population in Western province.

A check by the Daily Nation revealed that the Lozis were snubbed during the ceremony despite having neighbouring Chiefdoms in Limulunga.

But the Lozi tradionalists claimed that the ceremony had no blessings from the Litunga, saying Chief Chiyengele was gazetted as a Lozi Chief and not of the Mbundas because all the tribes were treated as one in the region.

The Mbundas further complained that their tribe was marginalised by other tribes in the region. And the host chief Chiyengele explained to the Daily Nation in Limulunga that the procession was in readiness for the Makishi resurfacing from graveyards where traditional rituals were done.

The Makishi started the procession from the graveyards to Chief Chiyengele’s palace, saying it was against this background that the Mbundas hold their ceremony to showcase their traditional practices.

Chief Chiyengele said the pro- cession also reminds the Mbunda’s of how they fought when they migrated to Zambia.

The Makishi dancers pay homage to the chief in the evenings, as part of the procession to brief their chief and to seek green light for rest of the ceremony on the actual day of the event.

This year, the Cheke ceremony was held from September 29 to October 1, 2017, and becomes the sixth annual ceremony.

The ceremony is characterised by various activities, symbolising the celebration of victory after war. Chief Mutondo of the Nkoya people was among those who attended the event.