Malawi’s First Vice President, Dr Jane Ansah SC, has described culture as a powerful force that unites communities across borders.
Dr Ansah was speaking at Mtenguleni in Chipata, Zambia, where she presided over this year’s Ncwala Ceremony, an annual Ngoni traditional event that celebrates heritage, social solidarity and thanksgiving for the first fruits of the harvest.
She graced the ceremony alongside Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, and the host traditional leader, Ngwenyama Paramount Chief Mpezeni.
In her address, the First Vice President commended the Zambian Government for facilitating the availability of maize, which Malawi purchased to help address food shortages.
“We are grateful to the Zambian Government for making maize available at a time Malawi needed it most. This demonstrates the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood between our two countries,” she said.
President Hichilema hailed Ngwenyama Mpezeni and the entire Ngoni people for preserving their rich cultural heritage.
“This ceremony is not only about tradition; it also contributes to the promotion of tourism and strengthens regional cooperation,” said President Hichilema.
The colourful event attracted more than 80 Ngoni chiefs from across the region. Among them were Malawi’s Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V of Mzimba and Paramount Chief Gomani V, who led their impis in vibrant traditional performances that drew cheers from thousands of spectators.
Held on the last Saturday of February, Ncwala is the first major traditional ceremony on Zambia’s cultural calendar and continues to stand as a symbol of unity, heritage preservation and cross-border solidarity among the Ngoni people.
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