2026 N’cwala Ceremony to Feature Zambezi Crossing, Commemoration of King Zwangendaba,as Ngonis call for right royal titles.
By Jessie C Bwalya
The Ncwala Organising Committee Chairperson, Dumisani Tembo, has announced that the 2026 N’cwala traditional ceremony will be marked by historic new events, including the symbolic crossing of the Zambezi River and the commemoration of Ngoni patriarch King Zwangendaba.
Tembo said the commemoration of King Zwangendaba will take place in February 2026 at Chipeta Village in Nakonde District, where members of the public will have an opportunity to experience a significant historical event central to the Ngoni people.
He explained that King Zwangendaba is regarded as the patriarch of the Ngoni nation and that his resting place holds deep spiritual significance, as it invokes ancestral connections and cultural identity for the Ngoni people.
“The event will allow people to reconnect spiritually with our ancestors and understand the foundations of the Ngoni nation,” Tembo said
Tembo further stated that prior to British colonial rule, all Ngoni leaders were known as inkosi as part of their royal titles, emphasizing that Ngoni rulers were kings and nothing less.
“Our king is Inkosi Mpezeni and has never been anything less. He is a king of kings. All Ngoni kingdoms are headed by kings, and Inkosi Mpezeni is above them as Inkosi ya Makosi,” he said
He expressed concern that 61 years after Zambia’s independence, colonial-era titles such as “chief” are still being used to refer to traditional leaders, instead of indigenous titles such as makosi.
Tembo said this continued use of colonial titles saddens the Ngoni people and undermines their cultural heritage.
He called on all media houses to refer to His Royal Highness Mpezeni as Inkosi in recognition of Ngoni traditions and to help end the perpetuation of colonial titles such as “paramount chief.”
“Yes, we acknowledge that there is an Act and laws governing chiefs, but we are restoring our traditions, cultures and positions as they existed before colonial laws,” Tembo said.
He added that if some are uncomfortable referring to Mpezeni as king, they should at least use the title Inkosi ya Makosi Mpezeni to honour Ngoni heritage.
Tembo questioned why Africans continue to use foreign titles while advocating for African identity.
“We keep talking about being African, yet we continue using foreign titles. Before colonialism, all ethnic groups had their own titles, and we must not do away with them through outdated legislation. Let us add respect to ourselves for who we are and what we are,” he said.
Waste of time. Just prevent teenage pregnancies and educate the young people. This is useless was of spending resources including time. More chidyerano.
This is Great. Pupils learn about King Zwangedaba from their History Books and it looks very remote. Such Events like M’cwala Ceremony makes this history alive. Publicise this Memorial Site, and set up a Memorial Library documenting the History of the Ngoni People. Tourists both local and International can be visiting such , and contribute to the Growth of the local economy.
Only a fool like the comment above can fail to see the significance of such Events to the history of the creation of Zambia.
For this fool, Zambia begins and ends with Hakainde.
On the Royal Titles , I agree with the Ngonis. We can revert back to the precolonial Titles…The Litunga, and not Paramount Chief Litunga, Mwiine Lubemba, and not Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, The Mwata Kazembe etc. Those without Titles can make some..
Don’t you think you have gone too far? Take care of your health mate. Take care of yourself and choose the right fights.