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Gomani V: Maseko Ngonis’ cultural warrior

Going around to save his culture: Gomani
Going around to save his culture: Gomani

In a restless, forward-looking world, the country’s Ngonis are looking back at their history and reasserting their culture.

With the one-time warring tribe losing its language and other traditional values in a fast-shrinking world, the Maseko Ngonis’ supreme ruler, Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V of Ntcheu, has  been visiting traditional leaders to hang on to things that make them unique.

Speaking after visiting T/A Bvumbwe in Thyolo last week, the youthful leader, fondly called ngwenyama, said there is need to relook at the way the tribesmen and women conduct their weddings, funerals and other ceremonies to reflect who they are.

Said Gomani in an interview monitored on MBC: “As a custodian of culture, it is my duty to remind traditional leaders to remain steadfast in safeguarding our way of life and to encourage people to take part in national development initiatives starting at household level. We want people to have proper housing and every house to have a toilet.

“So this is the beginning of a long journey which will take me to Zambia, Mozambique and other countries where Maseko Ngonis are found. We want to strengthen our ties and restore our culture.”

Bvumbwe thanks Gomani for the visit, saying it shows a new wave of will to make the tribe  stronger and village agents of development.

Apart from Ntcheu, the Maseko Ngonis are spread in parts of Balaka, Mangochi, Neno and Mwanza.

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