Bayete! Ngonis in Malawi promotes grouping
Ngonis from the central region on Sunday came together and celebrated the existence of their cultural grouping and pondered on how best to promote their culture.
The event which took place at Njewa Primary School in Lilongwe saw the Ngonis displaying many of their cultural activities and way of life such as traditional dances, dressing, language and many more. There was also the usual Ngoni Mesese beer and meat which is said to be the favourite drink and food for the Ngonis.
Speaking at the event, South African high commissioner to Malawi Mrs Ntombile Mabude, who was the guest of honour, said she was happy to associate with the Ngoni in Malawi because their original home is South Africa where she comes from.
Mabude who was herself dressed in Ngoni regalia said there was need to preserve the Ngoni culture so that it does not die down.
“I would like to appeal to all the Ngonis all over the world to come together and unite in promoting our culture. All the Ngonis are one and together lets revive our culture for the benefit of the future generation, “she said, amid ululations and the usual Ngoni shouts of Bayete!
Central Region Ngoni coordinator, Joseph Mazaza, said the grouping decided to organise the event after noting that their culture was dying.
He said the Ngoni tribe constitute the third largest tribe in Malawi and as such, their culture could not be left to die or be absorbed by the other cultures.
“We are here to revive our culture and make sure that it continues. Infact some people thought that the Ngonis cannot be found here in Lilongwe, but as you can see here, we are so many and if all of us can come together, we can make a huge impact in as far as our culture is concerned,” he said.
Chairperson of the organising committee, village headman Nthiko concurred with Mazaza saying the event had helped to bring all the Ngonis in Lilongwe district together.
He said it is important for them to organise such events because they help them not to forget their culture.
He further said that the coming of the South African High commissioner to the event will help in linking them to their South African friends.
“We also asked her to consider building a primary and secondary school in which the Ngoni culture and language will be taught,”
Some women, whom Malawi News Agency (MANA) interviewed, said the Ngonis can be identified with their dressing, and that they are a patrilineal tribe where sons inherit their father’s throne.
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