M’mbelwa V installation October 4
The guessing is over. Ngoni chiefs have confirmed that Mkhosi Jere will be crowned Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V at a traditional ceremony slated for October 4.
The announcement by Inkosi Mpherembe and Mabulabo completes a rite of passage which started in February when the Jere Ngonis held kutisa, marking the end of the mourning period in memory of the crown prince’s father who died the same month last year.
The succession story hit a climax on April 12 when the youthful heir to the revered Mbelwa throne wedded Beauty Munthali at his Edingeni Headquarters in the district.
Ending the wait, silence and speculation, Senior Chief Mpherembe, who speaks for the Ngoni royals, said the chief’s council met on Thursday last week and settled for October 4 as the opportune time to install their new king of kings.
In an interview on Monday, Inkosi Mpherembe said: “It is official; at a chief’s council meeting chaired by the inkosi ya makosi on June 12, a confirmation was agreed upon that his installation will happen on October 4 at Edingeni. To us, this is a historic day because it means we have a new king in place.”
He also gave a glimpse of rites awaiting the crowds which will flock to the installation ceremony.
“After having the royal attire conferred on him, the Inkosi ya Makosi will be led into a series of traditional ceremonies by Inkosi ya Makosi Mpezeni of Zambia,” said Mpherembe.
Three months ago, chairperson of the wedding committee, Moses Mkandawire, confirmed that Mpezeni, the highest ranking king among the Jere Ngonis, had skipped the nuptials in preference for the installation where he will share the podium with other royals from South Africa.
