Mzimba Ngonis to attend Maji-Maji Commemoration

The Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V and the Zwangendaba Ngoni of Mzimba yesterday travelled to Tanzania to attend the Maji Maji Rebellion Commemoration at Songea over the weekend.

The Maji-Maji commemoration is done in memory of mass killings of the Ngonis in Tanzania during the struggle for independence and cultural nationalism against Germany.

Mzimba Heritage Association secretary Ndabazake Thole, speaking from Songwe border post on Thursday, confirmed the trip.

He said the entourage, which includes Senior Chief Mtwalo, Traditional Authorities Jalavikuba, Kampingo Sibande and himself, will be part of the traditional celebrations today and the national commemorations tomorrow.

The Ngoni cultural custodians are expected to visit several historical and cultural places such as a memorial pillar for the 67 executed Ngoni leaders, statues on the mass grave and the museum centre which houses Ngoni objects and achievements of the late Rashid Kawawa, one of the first political freedom fighters for the independence of Tanzania.

“The trip is worthwhile for two reasons. Firstly, it is a cultural exchange visit that will teach us one or two things on cultural promotion and preservation.

“Secondly, it will promote national unity between the two countries because we have been invited with permission from the Tanzanian government,” said Thole.

Last year, the Mzimba Ngonis were also part of the celebrations, with Mtwalo as the leader of delegation.