Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V, has launched an ambitious plan to transform his eNkosini Enkulu at Lizulu in Ntcheu, Ntcheu into a cultural tourism centre.
The Ngwenyama announced the initiative on Saturday during a thanksgiving iMbizo he convened, saying the grounds surrounding his residence present an opportunity to generate income if developed to their full potential.
“I am looking at constructing structures such as chalets where guests can be accommodated at a fee,” Gomani said.
“This should, in turn, spur related enterprises such as catering and entertainment.”
He said the palace grounds could also be developed into a centre of excellence where key aspects of Maseko Ngoni culture would be taught and passed on.
“We want to come up with something simple, but done extraordinarily well, with extraordinary results,” said the Ngwenyama. “Above all, the project must be inclusive and sustainable.”
The proposal has already attracted government interest, with Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba committing State support towards its realisation.
“This is brilliant,” he said. “I wish other traditional leaders would emulate this kind of thinking outside the box. The Constituency Development Fund, now meaningful in size, can easily be channelled towards such projects, as they stand to benefit Ntcheu and the wider region in the long run.”
Namalomba said he was impressed by what he described as the meticulous planning demonstrated by the Maseko Ngoni establishment.
“They have deliberately built in incentives for sponsorship,” he said. “They are pursuing a public–private partnership model where individuals or corporate entities may construct selected structures and, in return, be granted naming and operational rights. That approach, in my view, is sustainable.”
During the iMbizo, Gomani also emphasised his desire to revive the Maseko Ngoni culture, while reforming certain aspects to ensure they respond to the contemporary needs of his people.
