Mkumbira chieftaincy in Nkhata Bay filled

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Esther Majaza on Tuesday installed Malani Phiri as Traditional Authority (T/A) Mkumbira and elevated group village heads (GVH) Thula and Chipimbininga to sub-traditional authorities (T/As) in Nkhata Bay.

Phiri acted as T/A Mkumbira since the death of his predecessor in 2018.

Majaza, who represented President Peter Mutharika, said chiefs are instrumental in the development of the country.

“Apart from being custodians of culture, you are also very instrumental in the development of the country; hence, you should work closely with government for the country to develop,” she said.

The deputy minister urged chiefs to be non-partisan in their duties.

In his remarks, T/A Kabunduli urged fellow chiefs not to interfere in other chieftaincy affairs.

“I urge fellow chiefs not to intervene in chieftaincy issues because it incites disputes,” he said.

Kabunduli also urged fellow chiefs to follow tradition in leadership successions.

“We also have to follow the patrilineal line of chieftaincy where the leadership goes to sons and not to nephews as it has been the case during the time of our forefathers,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by Mzuzu City Mayor Kondwani Nyasulu, Mzuzu City legislator Bennex Mwamlima and Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Planning Symon Vuwa Kaunda, who is also Nkhata Bay Central legislator.