The Ngoni speaking people’s traditional leader Paramount Chief Mpezeni has died, bringing to a close a reign that spanned more than four decades having ascended into power in 1982. Several reports within the Ngoni royal establishment confirmed that the traditional leader passed away at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka at approximately 04:00 hours this …

The Ngoni speaking people’s traditional leader Paramount Chief Mpezeni has died, bringing to a close a reign that spanned more than four decades having ascended into power in 1982.

Several reports within the Ngoni royal establishment confirmed that the traditional leader passed away at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka at approximately 04:00 hours this morning.

Chief Mpezeni was the fourth to hold the paramountcy of the Ngoni, a people whose history traces back to migrations from southern Africa in the 19th century.

His leadership was central to the preservation of Ngoni culture, customs, and traditions. He was widely respected as a custodian of heritage and a voice of authority in Eastern Province and beyond.

During his reign, Chief Mpezeni presided over the annual Nc’wala Ceremony in Chipata, a cultural event that became a national fixture.

The ceremony, which celebrates the Ngoni people’s first harvest, drew thousands of participants and dignitaries from across Zambia and neighboring countries.

His ability to blend cultural preservation with engagement in national issues made him a significant figure in Zambia’s traditional leadership landscape.

His death marks the end of an era for the Ngoni people. The paramountcy, which carries immense cultural and political weight, will now undergo succession processes rooted in Ngoni customs.

The mourning period is expected to be deeply observed, with traditional rituals guiding the transition.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s passing leaves a profound void not only in Eastern Province but also in Zambia’s broader cultural and traditional leadership.

His influence extended beyond his kingdom, shaping conversations on land, governance, and cultural identity.

The nation now awaits formal announcements from the Ngoni royal establishment and government authorities regarding funeral arrangements and succession.