Nankungwi is a name synonymous with the chewa people. But what is it about? Who can be a nankungwi? Our correspondent LOVEMORE KHOMO interviewed Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) director of chiefs, traditions and culture Lyson Banda who explained more. Excerpts:
Q: Who are the nankungwi in chewa culture?
A: These are female elders who assist and advise the chieftaincy. They are always present at local events such as funerals. A nankungwi is more of a cultural custodian and understands the chieftaincy’s future. She used to treat people with traditional healing herbs, but her current purpose is to serve the throne.
| Lovemore Khomo
Q: How is she appointed?
A: She is picked from the family to be the next chief when the current one dies. So, when a chief dies, the present nankungwi’s family inherits power. For example, if you have a nankungwi from family number four or seven, it signifies that the next chieftaincy will be from there.
Q: What happens when the chief steps down?
A: This is called chatuluka. It occurs when the incumbent has stepped down and decides to hand over the throne to one of his or her children. Chatuluka is permitted, but we conduct a comprehensive study to see whether the children are actually his or hers.
Q: How do you advise families fighting for a throne?
A: First, the chieftaincy belongs to the family and they should begin to address the matter. Among the families, they know who should inherit the throne and we advise doing it right. Indeed, a number of chief offices have been empty since the death of some chiefs, resulting in family tensions.
Q: Why do the tensions occur in other chewa chieftaincies?
A: We admit that these incidents happen because people currently assume that chiefs are compensated. Unlike in the past where chiefs could simply rule without money and certain candidates could refuse to inherit the throne, nowadays, people have bad ideas because they look at the throne as a personal benefit.
Q: How can those offices be staffed?
A: At the chieftaincy level, he or she may have subordinates known as nduna and mlowakuka. All are senior advisers and their positions should be respected and filled since they are significant. On the other hand, mlowakuka are first-hand persons from the chief’s family who includes a sister or brother, nephews and uncles, thus they play an important role. There is also a problem when mlowakuka does not provide tangible solutions to the challenges at hand, which may cause conflict with the incoming team when choosing a new leader.
Q: Any last word?
A: Let us unite and come together as Chewa people. Let the chiefs unite the tribe which is rich with customs and traditions. We advise that the chewa chieftaincy should always embrace the dimension of the past rules that includes all structures.
