Amang’anja group sparks controversy
Controversy, drama and raising of eyebrows has engulfed within the rank and file of the Chewa people following the announcement by some individuals who want to launch the Mang’anja Association which happens to be the sprinter grouping of the Chewa People royal to Kalonga Gawa Undi, King of the Chewa People in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique.
The establishment of Mang’anja Association, slated for Sunday 7 September, 2014 will be a heavy blow to the Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) which is already carrying the functions of promoting, preserving and protecting the Chewa culture.
Historically, Mang’anja are Chewas from the Southern region. They were called Mang’anja because they were involved in Ng’anjo (These were traditional furnaces used to fabricate household equipment like axes,knives and hoes).
Chewas from central region were called Chipeta because they were coming from a region with short grasses known as Chipeta.
While Chewas from the lakeshore distructs are called Anyanja because they were coming along the lake.
But the misunderstanding and confusion which has led to controversy, has been that Amang’anja chewas from the south have been taking themselves as a tribe on their own.
Senior Chief Lukwa, the Coordinator of the Chewa Chiefs and its people in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique has expressed concern over the idea of establishing the grouping.
“As a tribe we are happy with Chewa foundation, Ngoni people have their grouping, Lhomwes have Mlhakho wa Alhomwe, Yao have their own Ndamo ya Ayao, so why should Chewa people have two groupings? This will divide the Chewa people, ”
Lukwa said he has not been invited to the launch which will take place in Lilongwe.
Senior Chief Lukwa said the development will propel divisions amongst Chewa as a tribe who all lean their allegiance to Kalonga Gawa Undi.
Hendrix Chikuni , spokesperson FOR Chwa grouping has pleaded with the organizers of the Mang’anja Association to withhold the launch.
Chikuni said this will bring confusion amongst the Chewa people because ” what about if the Nyanja can think of forming Nyanja Association will this be ok?” reasoned Chikuni.
Meanwhile Paramount Chief Lundu has disagreed with the idea of forming the Association.
In an interview with Malawi’s local radio on Saturday, Lundu said he does not agree with the idea.
.Lundu concurs with Chefo that the development will divide the Chewa People.
Kalonga has always preached unity amongst the Chewa people and he will not be happy once he hears about the formation of another Chewa group.
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