18th Febraury,2026
The memorial ceremony of Inkosi Zwangendaba Kahlatshwayo Jele was held today, 18th February 2026, at the Zwangendaba Burial Site in Nachipeta Village, Ng’umba Ward, Nakonde District.
The historic event marked nearly 200 years since the death of the revered Ngoni founding father, who led his people on a remarkable 3,000-kilometre migration from KwaZulu-Natal in present-day South Africa to central Africa during the Mfecane period.
Muchinga Province Minister Hon. Njavwa Simutowe was the guest of honour and announced that the remembrance will now be held annually, positioning the sacred site as an important cultural tourism destination.
His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV led the delegation and paid homage to his ancestor at the grave site.
In a powerful gesture of unity, he gifted four cattle (one bull and three heifers) to Her Royal Highness Chief Waitwika in appreciation and hosting the ceremony at the sacred site, which has been preserved for over 180 years.
The ceremony sets the tone for the annual Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony, which will take place on 28th February 2026 in Chipata.
The event brought together traditional leaders, government officials, and members of the community to celebrate unity, heritage, reconciliation, and shared history among the Ngoni people across Zambia and beyond.
#ZwangendabaRemembrance
#NgoniHeritage
#CulturalUnity
#Ncwala2026
#MuchingaProvince
#NakondeDistrict
#PromotingTourism
#OnePeopleOneHeritage
