By JULIUS PHIRI –
PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province has shifted from his Ephendukeni palace to Laweni’s Kampala Village in readiness for the 36th edition of the Nc’wala traditional ceremony at the Mtenguleni main arena in Chipata.
Impis from various Ngoni kraals dotted around the Ngoni chiefdoms who had earlier gathered at Ephendukeni, a few metres from the Zambia -Malawi border, escorted the Paramount Chief, who also greeted people along the way as multitudes lined up the streets to have a glimpse of the event, at the same time braving a heavy downpour.
Before embarking on the journey, Paramount Chief Mpezeni was presented with fresh harvests by Chief Madzimawe who was escorted by some senior indunas.
Driven in an unregistered posh Benz,the traditional ruler, clad in a lion skin, brought business in the border town to a standstill.
The annual movement was punctuated with ululations by women, while the men were wielding spears and shields.
Road Transport and Safety Agency and Police officers were on hand to control traffic and ensure there was order.
Nc’wala national organising committee chairperson Noel Nkoma said a number of dignitaries were expected to arrive today for the ceremony.
Mr Nkoma said 53 traditional leaders from Zambia, Malawi,Tanzania and Mozambique were expected to witness the event.
