08/06/2026
Mphezeni sleeps after 44 years on the throne
As the remains of Ngwenyama Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mphezeni IV of Zambia are set to be laid to rest today, June 9, 2026, following his death on May 30, 2026, at the age of 75, a sombre mood has engulfed his Ephendukeni Royal Kraal in Chipata.
It is a stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere that filled the same venue just months ago during what has now become the late chief’s final appearance at the uNcwala ceremony. The only similarity between the two occasions lies in the numbers, as thousands from across the region continue to gather to pay their last respects to a man widely regarded as a cultural stalwart of the Ngoni people.
“Mphezeni, being the eldest of our three Ngwenyamas [the others being Gomani V and M’mbelwa V], was a father to all of us—a unifying figure. His demise is devastating,” said Inkosi Mpando Khwinda, who is leading a delegation sent by Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani V to represent the Maseko Ngoni of Ntcheu District.
Mpando is accompanied by Senior Chief iNkosi Makwangwala Ndau and Senior Chief iNkosi Njolomole Hlabathi, both from Ntcheu; Senior Chief Inkosi Chamthunya Hlabathi of Balaka; and Senior Chief Inkosi Kanduku Maseko of Mwanza.
Earlier on Monday, Ngoni chiefs from Malawi’s Central Region who travelled to Chipata for the funeral paid a courtesy call on Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V at the Royal Palace to convey their condolences. Among them were Inkosi Msakambewa, Inkosi Mponela and Inkosi Chiwere Ndhlovu, all from Dowa.
Since the death of Mphezeni—born David Njengambazo Jere—Inkosi M’mbelwa of Mzimba has assumed a central role in the mourning process, in line with Ngoni tradition.
Although the late king is survived by his immediate family, cultural norms designate M’mbelwa V as the official chief mourner.
“This is because he is Mphezeni’s direct younger brother and holds the most senior counterpart royal seat in Ngoni tradition,” explained Kandi Padambo, Secretary General of the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust.
Traditionally, Mphezeni is regarded as the elder brother to M’mbelwa, and the two trace their shared ancestry to King Zwangendaba, who led the migration of the Ngoni from South Africa. With the passing of Mphezeni IV, Inkosi M’mbelwa now holds the traditional authority to install the next Mphezeni.
This bond was evident recently when a high-powered delegation of Zambia-based Ngoni chiefs, accompanied by government officials, travelled to Mzimba to formally inform M’mbelwa of Mphezeni’s passing. The delegation was led by Inkosi Saili, one of the late king’s trusted advisers.
A statement by the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust echoed this relationship, noting: “The late Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni, whose reign began in 1982, upheld the centuries-old close and brotherly ties between the Maseko Ngoni and Jele Ngoni".
(Report by Fatsani Gunya-Correspondent)
