- King usually sends representatives during Incwala at Chipata, Zambia
BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini and Africa are mourning the passing away of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people of Zambia.
His Majesty King Mswati III would often send a delegation or representatives at the Incwala ceremony in Chipata, Zambia.
The paramount Chief’s demise has brought to a close one of the longest and most influential reigns in Zambia’s traditional leadership, ending a 44-year chapter that shaped the cultural identity of the Ngoni people and left a lasting mark on the nation.
Born David Njengembaso Jere, Mpezeni IV ascended to the Ngoni throne in June 1982 following the death of his father, Paramount Chief Pontino Jere. What began as the responsibility of a young man working in Livingstone grew into a reign that would span more than four decades and make him one of Zambia’s most recognisable traditional leaders.
His death was announced by Senior Chief Nzamane IV, who informed the Ngoni people that Inkosi YaMakhosi had passed away and that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
The announcement immediately drew tributes from government leaders, politicians, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens, many of whom described the late chief as a unifying figure whose influence extended well beyond Eastern Province.
President Hakainde Hichilema described the late traditional leader as a revered custodian of culture and heritage whose service would remain an enduring part of Zambia’s national story.
In a message of condolence, the president said Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV stood as a symbol of Zambia’s rich cultural diversity and dedicated his life to preserving the customs and traditions of the Ngoni people.
Government of Zambia also described the death as a national loss. Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said the chief’s contribution to preserving culture, promoting peace and advancing development would be remembered for generations.
Kawana said the government would continue engaging the Royal Establishment as traditional and administrative processes relating to the funeral and succession arrangements unfold.
Vice-President Mutale Nalumango said the nation had lost not only a traditional leader but also a fatherly figure whose wisdom and guidance helped nurture unity among citizens.
She said his legacy would remain woven into the fabric of Zambia’s national identity and that generations would continue to draw inspiration from his leadership.
#ParamountChief #Zambia, #Eswatini #NationalLoss #IncwalaCeremony #AfricanLeadership #CultureTradition
