Maseko Ngonis raise funds for Umhlangano in Lilongwe

The Maseko Ngoni based in Area 36 in Lilongwe, under Association of Maseko Ngoni, will tomorrow hold a big walk to raise money for the 2016 Umhlangano cultural event slated for September 3.

Umhlangano, a Zulu word, means the coming together of people from their scattered directions or settlements.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, chairperson of the organising committee Mphatso Nkuonera Chanza said they will walk an eight-kilometre distance within Lilongwe.

He said: “The event will start at Biwi-Petroda Filling Station through Town Hall and Mchinji roundabout up to Area 18 roundabout. We are calling upon all the Ngonis in Lilongwe and other well-wishers who appreciate our culture to join us.”

Chanza said they target to raise K3 million, hence the need for more people to participate and contribute any amount.

He said the funds will cater for food, accommodation and transportation, mainly for the aged and disadvantaged people.

The organising secretary Lloyd Gumbo said both the big walk and the event are open to everyone because Ngonis believe in co-existence.

“We have extended invitations to other cultural groups knowing that we are living in a mixed cultural society where cultural diversity has to be encouraged. We, therefore, urge everyone to dress in their cultural regalia,” said Gumbo.

Umhlangano is an annual event held every first Saturday of September at Nkolimbo Village in Inkosi Kwataine’s area in Ntcheu District.

The festival, which is the brainchild of Paramount Chief Gomani V, started in 2012.

This year’s event will host Ngonis from Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi.