INKOSI YA MAKHOSI M'MBELWA V SPEECH AT FUNERAL OF HIS MAJESTY MPEZENI IV| NGONI ZAMBIA & MALAWI

Added: 2026-06-10

[00:00:09]First and foremost, let me recognize the presence of the president of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.

[00:00:20]Um distinguished dignitaries, uh their majesties, allow me to mention Kalonga Kaonde, um their majesties, um Zulugama, Inkosi ya Makosi from Songea, um His Majesty Inkosi ya Makosi Zintambila coming from Mozambique, and all the royal highnesses, elders, and fellow mourners.

[00:00:52]Um because of time, allow me to stand on the protocols already established.

[00:00:59]>> Toyamba number Republican president uh president at school in Zambia commencement uh Chilombo Kalonga Gawa commencement uh watch out for the cool uh commencement Zulugama and everyone say >> The Bangoni nations of Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and across East Africa are united in deep grief at the passing of Inkosi ya Makosi King Pezeni Kazanganda of Kum'bali.

[00:01:48]>> Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi Kutisia for Inkosi ya >> Today, we mourn not only a sovereign, but a father of our people, a keeper of our traditions, and a living bridge between the past and the future.

[00:02:25]In our sorrow, we also find strength.

[00:02:28]Um His life reminds us of the ties that bind our nations, the courage that sustains us, and the duty we share to carry his legacy forward with our dignity and purpose.

[00:02:52]I learned of the falling of the great tree with profound sorrow.

[00:02:58]>> [clears throat] >> My elder brother, King Mpezeni, leaves behind a legacy of service and steadfast leadership.

[00:03:05]We mourn his many good works and the closing of a remarkable 44-year reign that spanned the administrations of all seven presidents of Zambia, from Dr. Kenneth Kaunda to the current president, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.

[00:03:26]It is altogether befitting that you, Your Excellency, the president, have decided to honor my brother with an official funeral.

[00:03:36]A rare honor that is reserved for this nation's sons and daughters of distinction.

[00:03:43]For that, I wish to express my profound gratitude, not just on my own behalf, but on behalf of the Abangoni people, that the king diligently served throughout the 44 years that he was on the throne.

[00:03:59]Our sovereign has now joined the ancestors.

[00:04:03]In our grief, we also celebrate a life that shaped generations and strengthened bonds between our people.

[00:04:12]The king was at times a figure of controversy and at times a powerful voice for those who had no voice.

[00:04:22]His words carried different meanings to different people, challenging some, comforting others, but always stirring thought and action.

[00:04:33]That complexity is part of his greatness.

[00:04:37]A king who speaks plainly and courageously invites debate, awakens conscious, and moves people towards change.

[00:04:48]We remember not only the moments that divided us, but the many more that united us. The counsel he offered, the cause he championed.

[00:05:01]May we honor his memory by listening with humility, speaking with courage, and serving with compassion.

[00:05:10]King Mpezeni Kazungula IV led with courage, wisdom, and deep love for his people.

[00:05:17]His life was a bridge between generations, a steady hand in times of change, and a voice that called us to dignity and service.

[00:05:29]Let us remember his laughter, his counsel, and the countless small acts that revealed his devotion to our communities.

[00:05:39]Fellow mourners, you may wonder why I stand before you this afternoon.

[00:05:46]The Abangoni of Zambia and the Abangoni of Mzimba, Malawi are are not mere allies.

[00:05:54]They are brothers in blood.

[00:05:56]My older brother, King Mpezeni and I are both sons of the great patriarch, King Zwangendaba.

[00:06:04]Who led our people from what is now KwaZulu to settle across Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and other parts of East Africa.

[00:06:14]Our bond is ancient.

[00:06:22]And unbroken.

[00:06:24]It is tied to the very umbilical cord of our shared history.

[00:06:30]Every February, we gather in Chipata at Mtenguleni to celebrate Nc'wala.

[00:06:36]Each August, my brother travels to Mzimba, Malawi to attend Umtheto.

[00:06:42]These gatherings are more than tradition.

[00:06:45]They are living proof of our bond, a rhythm that keeps our peoples connected across borders and generations.

[00:06:54]Now, allow me to say this.

[00:06:56]When the time comes, the next coronation, you will see me here again.

[00:07:03]The Abangoni of Mzimba and the Abangoni of Zambia as brothers coronate one another's kings.

[00:07:11]An enduring covenant that honors shared past and secures a common future.

[00:07:18]You may wish to know that King Mpezeni was coronated by my grandfather, King Mbera III.

[00:07:26]In turn King Mpezeni IV later coronated my father King Mbera IV.

[00:07:35]And then when my father passed into the realm of ancestors he coronated me as King MisuZulu This reciprocal chain of coronation is the living experience expression of our customs, a line a lineage of duty, respect, and continuity that links our houses across generations.

[00:08:00]At the right time and in keeping with the solemn duty, I will therefore perform the coronation of the new king once the royal family has identified and chosen the right successor to the MisuZulu crown in accordance with the applicable Ngoni customs.

[00:08:19]Let this funeral be more than a farewell.

[00:08:22]And while recognizing that the potential for disunity let it be a turning point for unity within the family and across the AmaNgoni kingdom.

[00:08:33]In our shared grief may we find the strength to heal old wounds to stand together in purpose and renew our commitment to one another.

[00:08:45]Let every hand joined here today be a promise to protect our traditions, to support our leaders, and to work for the welfare of every child and family among us.

[00:09:00]In honoring King MisuZulu IV let us build a future defined defined by courage, solidarity, compassion, and collective action.

[00:09:10]It is important to highlight that these moments should remind us all that need to maintain a perfect and perfect our cultural values.

[00:09:22]We as a people are not just distinct because of what we wear or how we dance.

[00:09:29]It is because of our practice and custom and how we manage not just to the send-off of the falling king, but also the succession of the throne.

[00:09:42]One thing that has always set us apart as a people is the clarity of our law when it comes to who gets into uh and succeed the fallen king.

[00:09:53]This clarity helps us maintain our distinct identity and promotes continuity of our royal households.

[00:10:01]It is for this reason that to avoid a situation of prolonged uncertainty, I will expect the royal family to nominate and present to me the heir to the throne of my brother as soon as possible.

[00:10:15]Once this is done, the crown prince will be in a position to fill in the vacuum left by the departed king and to act in his full in his full uh office until the end of the traditional mourning, which is 1 year.

[00:10:32]After which, I will return to install him on the throne of my fathers Wangendawa.

[00:10:38]Until this is done, in terms of our customary law, no one can lawfully execute in the office of the departed king.

[00:10:47]With these few remarks, I thank you all for your kind attention.

[00:10:52]>> Woyeele.

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