Queen M’Mbelwa V coronation July 2

The M’Mbelwa Chiefs Council has announced the coronation of Her Majesty Inkosikazi M’Mbelwa V to take place on July 2 at Edingeni Royal Headquarters in Mzimba District.

A statement from the royal office says the ceremony will be spiced up with traditional dances.

It reads: “Come and witness the rich traditional ceremony as the Queen is crowned to the full Ngoni cultural values.”

 In an interview, Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) secretary Moses Mkandawire said the coronation signifies that since the April 12 2014 official wedding, the Inkosikazi M’Mbelwa V will finally be accepted into the royal Ngoni culture and custom.

“The exercise will further entail the duty, trust, protection, respect and responsibility that accompany the position of an Inkosikazi in supporting or promoting the work of Inkosi ya Makosi M’Mbelwa V,” he said.

Mkandawire said this will foster the wellbeing, prevent alienation and improve the lives of the royal family and the people of M’Mbelwa Kingdom.

“The function reaffirms that her first born male child would be placed in line of succession and she would be expected to assume the role of the Indhlovukazi,” he said.

Mzimba Bomama chairperson Mengezi Ziba Mwamadi said the coronation will take place in a kraal where a reigning Nkhosikazi will lead the proceedings.

She said another similar ceremony will also take place at her home village.

Mwamadi, who is also deputy Mziha chairperson, said: “The isibaya [the kraal] is a very important symbolism in that it mainly represents a circle which is the most significant shape in the ngoni culture.

“A circle is mostly revered in our culture because it defines a state of totality and completeness and a continuum that simultaneously evolves and devolves. It is a shape of a ngoni kraal and a home [umuzi] which represents a symbol of self, family and safety.”