Ngoni Heritage stretches Umhlangano to six days for culture and development drive

The Maseko Ngoni Heritage has expanded its annual Umhlangano celebrations to six days, saying the extended programme will give communities more time to discuss development plans and showcase a wider range of Ngoni cultural traditions.

The gathering, held at the Gomani Chikuse Memorial Ground in Mkolimbo, Ntcheu District, will now run almost twice as long as in previous years.

General Secretary Impi Kandi Padambo said the third day will see Inkosikazi Queen Gomani V convene a special meeting with Amakhosinkazi and other leading Maseko Ngoni women to explore ways of tackling gender‑based violence and ending child marriages — issues he described as central to the community’s social progress.

Padambo said visitors will also be treated to demonstrations of traditional Ngoni cuisine, including the preparation and tasting of Chikande, alongside cultural dances designed to promote and preserve Maseko Ngoni identity.

He added that the fifth day will draw Ngoni groups from across the region for the main event, where participants will receive lessons on traditional Ngoni weapons as part of efforts to strengthen cultural knowledge among younger generations.