Maseko Ngonis in Imbizo prayers

It is the turn of a new year and the Maseko Ngonis are set to partake in their  traditional thanksgiving prayers, Imbizo tomorrow.

The Imbizo, organised by the royal family of the Ngwenyama, will take place at Inkosini headquarters in Lizulu, Ntcheu District under the theme ‘Positive change through culture’.

According to the organisers, the activities on the day will include a visit to the family graveyard where a Litiwa in honour of the fallen forefathers will be observed. The Litiwa involves honouring the departed by laying wreaths on their tombs and praying for them.

Unlike the Nkwisulo  which also takes place at the graveyard during the Umhlangano wa Maseko  where a goat is slaughtered and feasted on the spot, the Litiwa  is strictly for prayers.

After the Litiwa, they will gather at a family ground where prayers take place preceded by Ngoni dances such as ingoma, msindo, uyeni and mkwendo.

In an interview yesterday,royal family member Ndlovukazi Rosemary Gomani-Malinki said the ceremony is summoned by the Ngwenyama himself who leads in the thanksgiving and pronouncing unity among the Maseko Ngonis.

“These are prayers where we thank God for keeping us safe during the just ending year and asking for guidance in the year ahead. When doing this we also do not forget to honour our parents who departed before us,” she said.

Malinki said the prayers are led by different church leaders from the churches domesticated at the Maseko Ngoni headquarters in Lizulu. The event will also involve a feast of Ngoni oriented food, alcohol and sharing of the Ngoni history.

She said: “Although there is a marked difference in terms of numbers which attend the Imbizo and Umhlangano events, the Ngwenyama still uses the platform to preach unity, love and hard work among Ngonis. The event is of huge significance to the royal family.”

When Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V announced the event through his Facebook page, the Ngonis went into an overdrive and expressed excitement about the event.

Titani Chabvumbwa wrote: “Inenso ndili komweko. M’Ngoni wa kwa Masasa. [I will also be there. I am a Ngoni from Masasa].”

A lot more others showed their excitement and respect by saluting their King with the words: “Bayethe Ngwenyama.”

The word Imbizo is derived from Zulu which means a gathering or meeting of people called by a king or traditional leader.