Mulhako sets K40mil for chief Ngongoliwa elevation

Cultural grouping, Mulhako wa Alhomwe has said all set for the elevation of Senior Chief Ngolongoliwa of Thyolo to Paramount Chief in the Lomwe beilt.

The budget for the elevation ceremony, which is slated for this Sunday at their headquarters at Chonde in Mulanje, is K40 million.

The Lhomwe belt had no Paramount Chief following the death of Paramount Chief Nkhumba in 2014.

And addressing journalists ahead of the ceremony, Mulhako wa Alhomwe chief executive officer Muchanakhwaye Mpuluka and Publicity Chairperson Dickson Makhumba said the elevation of Ngolongoliwa to Paramount Chief brought joy to all Lhomwes and the nation at large.

Makhumba observed that chiefs are custodians of culture, noting that it is the expectation of everyone that all Paramount Chiefs will take a leading role in the preserving the country’s diverse cultural heritage.

“We also expect them to always discourage harmful cultural practices and beliefs that put the lives their subjects at risk like Kulowa fisi, Kusasa fumbi, mainly on innocent young girls,” said Makhumba.

He then indicated thag preparations are at a “very advanced stage to make sure that this function stands out of the many functions we have had in the Lhomwe belt.”

He added, “The budget is K40 million. Government has done its part and Mulhako wa Alhomwe did not just sit down, but we have been mobilizing resources and we are pleased to inform you that a lot of people have contributed towards this event”.

He said they have invited all chiefs and cultural groups in the country and across the borders to celebrate with newly elevated Paramount Chief.

The gathering will be treated to various activities including the famous Soopa dance and Epharama that will be danced by Lhomwe chiefs.

Mpalula said the elevation of Ngolongoliwa has brought joy to all the Lhomwes and hoped the development will make the chief engage another gear in ensuring that his territory is well developed.

“Chiefs are development accelerators and it is the expectation of all Lhomwes that his elevation will transform the Lhomwe belt,” said Mpuluka.

Ngolongoliwa takes over from the late Paramount Chief Mkhumba of Phalombe who died in July 2014 aged 82 after a long illness.

Mkhumba became Senior Chief in 2001 and was elevated to Paramount chief in 2008.

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