Gomani’s wedding, Umhlangano to cost K60m

The Maseko Ngoni Heritage, a cultural grouping organising the wedding ceremony for Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V and Umhlangano cultural gathering, says the two events will cost Ngonis and well-wishers about K60 million.

The heritage’s chairperson Inkosi Makwangwala told journalists on Monday that the youthful Gomani will exchange matrimonial vows with his South African soul mate Rishaladza Khanyisa Mathebula on November 2 this year at Ntcheu Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).

He said the wedding and the cultural ceremony will take place on the same date at Nkolimbo Ground where Ngonis will display their cultural dances and foods.

He said: “We shifted the Umhlangano because of the wedding which the Inkosi is having. The two ceremonies will be held on the same day. As usual, we will offer some sacrifices at the grave of Chikuse Gomani 1 so that his spirit should continue being with us.”

Inkosi Kanduku, who accompanied Makwangwala, said the two events will bring together and unite Ngonis living in various places of the country as well as those from South Africa where incidences of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals emerged some two week ago.

According to the Ngoni chiefs, Gomani is marrying for the first time.

Umhlangano ceremony also draws Ngonis from Mzimba, Mchinji and Mozambique. It also attracts senior government officials and various leaders from political parties.

Makwangwala said the two events will begin with a ritual at Chikuse Gomani 1 grave.

Meanwhile, although he did not disclose how much has so far been realised, the Heritage chairperson has appealed for financial and material support from well-wishers considering that two events will be held at the same time and that it will attract a large group of people.

Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V, born Mswati Willard Gomani, is fifth in line of the Maseko Ngoni chieftaincy.