Thousands attend N’cwala ceremony

Thousands of people have joined the Ngoni people of east Zambia to celebrate their colourful traditional ceremony, the N’cwala, reports Asa Manda.

N’cwala is an annual event that takes place end of February to thank God for the first harvest and pay homage to their ancestors for the war victories on the Ngonis journey from South Africa before settling in Zambia.

The 2020 ceremony which begun on Thursday reached it’s climax today, Saturday with a hive of activities.

On Thursday during the thanks-giving ceremony for the good harvest, the Ngoni traditionalists presented the first fruits from the field to the Paramount Chief at his palace called Ephendukeni in Feni. This was done before the Paramount Chief started his journey from Feni to Laweni in Mtenguleni.

Mtenguleni village in Chipata district hosts the N’cwala traditional ceremony. Hundreds of Ngonis and visitors clad in skin warrior attire matched and danced during the event.

The ceremony started after Paramount Chief Mpezeni reached the main arena from Laweni where he had been since Thursday. As per custom he was clad in animal skin worrier attire. He walked and danced majestically displaying the war fighting tactics with a spear and a shield.

The exciting moment was when a courageous Ngoni warrior slaughters a bull by stabbing it. The raw blood was collected and saved to the Paramount Chief who sipped it. This ritual killing of the bull is known as Mnikelo by the Ngonis.

The Paramount Chief was also presented with various gifts by the Guests.

President Lungu was represented by Defence Minister Davies Chama who was the guest of honour. He led other Ministers that include Bwalya Ng’andu – Finance, Ronald Chitotela – Tourism and Infrastructure.

Leaders of the opposition included Chishimba Kambwili of NDC and his MMD Counterpart Nevers Mumba.

This ceremony in the past had been graced by Presidents from three countries – Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. The Ngoni people are found I’m these countries and South Africa.