Ngonis speak on govt’s ‘kingdoms’ concerns

The Ngonis have reacted to a Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development statement on the designation of ‘kingdoms’ and ‘kingship’ in Malawi, observing that customary law recognises their respective paramount leaders as superior chiefs.

In a joint statement, Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) and Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust were reacting to a statement signed by Secretary for Local Government and Rural Development Moses Chimphepo stating that the Chiefs Act does not provide for the establishment or designation of traditional leaders as rulers of independent territories or kingdoms within the country.

Gomani V (L) and M’mbelwa V are recognised as

paramount chiefs under customary law. | Nation

In the statement, the two Ngoni groups said they recognise that Malawi is a unitary republic governed by the Constitution of 1994, which establishes the sovereign authority of the state.

They argue that Section 200 of the Constitution incorporates customary law into the laws of Malawi, provided it does not conflict with the Constitution or statutory enactments.

Reads in part the statement jointly signed by Mziha secretary general Khumbo Soko and his Maseko Ngoni counterpart Kandi Padambo: “While traditional leaders are statutory entities regulated under the Chiefs Act (Cap 22:03), Section 4 of the Act affirms that entitlement to traditional offices is derived directly from applicable customary law.

“Therefore, understanding the stature and role of traditional leadership requires reference to the specific customary laws and historical records unique to each heritage.”

The two groups further argue that Malawi’s administrative origins date back to the British Protectorate while the Maseko and Jere Ngoni ‘kingdoms’ were already established sovereign entities before their incorporation into what is now Malawi under subsequent British rule.

They also maintain that customary law recognises their paramount leaders as iNkosi ya Makhosi or Ngwenyama, historically superior to chiefs, with traditional authority.

Further reads the statement: “While we agree that traditional governance requires order, historical accuracy, and verifiable custom, established traditional institutions central to the cultural identity, heritage, and dignity of our people must not be undermined.

“We also join the State authorities in rejecting any claims to kingdoms and kingships that have no historical basis or that are not tethered to any verifiable customary law.”

Maseko Ngoni are led by Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V while the Jere Ngoni are led by Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V.

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