By Onishias Maamba in Chipata
Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking is disappointed that his sons serving as cabinet ministers and in senior government positions have not come on board to support the N’cwala traditional ceremony.
And the Paramount Chief has called on Prince Mongusutu Buthelezi of South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal to send Zulu teachers to help restore the Ngoni language which has been diluted.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by N’cwala National organizing committee chairperson, M’kwiinda Sakala yesterday, the Paramount Chief thanked those that partnered with him in organizing the ceremony, but expressed sadness that his own sons in government and Cabinet Ministers did not come on board to help him when called upon.
He notes that the N’cwala is a unifying factor among the people from diverse backgrounds as exhibited by various people who attend the annual event.
And the Chief has praised government for putting in place measures that are aimed at curbing ill vices such as child marriages and Gender Based Violence (GBV).
He says he remains committed to partnering with government in curbing the vices.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni has since called on all stakeholders to come on board in fighting social ills.
The 2019 N’cwala traditional ceremony was held under the theme, “Preserving our culture through gender equity.”
Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi of KwaZulu in South Africa is concerned that women have not been honoured the way they deserve throughout history.
Speaking when he graced this year’s N’cwala traditional ceremony at Mutenguleni yesterday, the Prince observes that this is despite the critical role that women play in addressing social challenges.
He indicates that society has failed to protect women from abuse as well as respecting their equality.
The Prince notes that times are changing, as such, there is need for society to change its perspective towards women in a bid to keep pace with the march of progress.
And the Prince has hailed Paramount Chief Mpezeni for showing willingness to promoting the dignity of women by instructing that for the first time this year women’s breasts should be covered during the ceremony.
He however notes that his country has not reached such maturity levels, noting that women and young girls are still required to appear topless during the reed dance.
