Kukhwisula pa Manda for the Maseko Ngoni

The Maseko Ngoni on Sunday celebrated a cultural festival called Udlangano wa Maseko in Isingoni language. Before the festival started, the Maseko Ngoni went to the grave of Chikuse Gomani I to pay tribute to his life and work. Our Reporter MAYAMIKO SEYANI attended the ritual ceremony and explains the ceremony.

Before the break of dawn an air of pride and loyalty circulated the dusty grounds of Nkolimbo Village as Inkosi Gomani V led the rest of the Maseko Ngoni to the grave of Chikuse Gomani I.

As tradition demands, the ritual ceremony Kukwisula pa Manda is performed before the break of dawn.

A crowd of  loyal subjects of the Ngwenyama (Lion as the Inkosi is referred to) who were sorrowfully chanting Ndingogwira manja mkhosi…ndikuyang’ana lidiwa la bambo (I’m grief stricken as I look at my father’s grave) escorted the chief.

Despite their loyalty and allegiance to the Maseko Ngoni clan, the gates surrounding the grave of Gomani I as per tradition only selected high ranking people of the royal family can enter the grave of chiefs.

For women are not allowed access to the grave during ceremony. This is because the Ngoni protect their women and as such it is important that men take lead in such a ceremony so that should anything come the men are on the frontline.

One elder asked for permission from the Inkosi to the ceremony. The  elder chanted Bayethe Nkosi, Bayethe Ngwenyama (Hail King, Hail Lion) then utterance in Isingoni language followed. In his speech, the elder praised the fallen chief Chikuse Gomani and also asked his spirit to continue helping the Maseko Ngoni be at peace.

While chanting Bayethe Nkosi, Bayethe Ngwenyama, the elder was handed a gourd of beer from which he sipped twice and spat the beer on the grave of the fallen chief. He spat the beer on all sides of the grave while saying a prayer and praising the spirit of the fallen chief.

The inkosi then also chants praises to the fallen Chief as a sign of respect to the spirits. Soon after that the elders inside the gates of the grave took turns to drink the beer which was left in the gourd.

“Makosana mowawu timalize ukabwela kuno umayenela kutha umenewu subwerela kunyumba(gentlemen we have to drink all the beer),” explained one of the elders at the grave.

Inkosi Phambala in an interview, said that the current Kukhwisula pa manda was all about giving thanks.

“We just wanted to thank the spirits for the good rains over the years, and the peace that is there within the Maseko Ngoni,” said Phambala.

After the ritual wreaths were laid and then women were allowed access to the grave.