Ba Sanseni…Continue Smearing Powder on the Ngonis. We share a bond that cannot be broken– Chitimukulu

LUSAKA – Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people has issued a poignant call for the continuation of a cherished cultural tradition, urging his subjects to maintain the practice of smearing powder on their Ngoni counterparts during the ongoing mourning period for Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV. The revered traditional leader emphasised that this gesture is not merely ceremonial but a profound symbol of the enduring cultural kinship and an unbreakable bond shared between the Bemba and Ngoni communities. Speaking from his palace, the Chitimukulu underscored the historical depth of the relationship between the two groups, highlighting how such customs serve to reinforce national unity and cultural preservation. He noted that the practice, often observed during significant life events like mourning, transcends mere ritual, acting as a powerful expression of shared heritage and mutual respect. This public endorsement by one of Zambia's most influential traditional leaders is seen as a significant affirmation of indigenous practices in a rapidly modernising society. The passing of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, a towering figure in Zambian traditional leadership, has naturally prompted a period of national mourning, particularly within the Ngoni community. The Chitimukulu's intervention serves to extend solidarity beyond immediate ethnic lines, demonstrating how traditional institutions can play a pivotal role in fostering inter-tribal harmony. His words resonate with the broader Zambian ethos of "One Zambia, One Nation," reminding citizens of the intricate tapestry of cultures that define the country. Such traditional practices, while sometimes misunderstood by outsiders, hold immense cultural and social significance within the communities that observe them. For the Bemba and Ngoni, the smearing of powder during mourning periods is believed to symbolise shared grief, purification, and the continuity of life even in the face of loss. It is a testament to the rich oral