2026 Kazanga Traditional Ceremony not cancelled-NRE

NRE Prime Minister, Ntanda Ngwelela, traditionally known as Mwanashihemi said the public should ignore the rumors and treat them as unfounded. Speaking in an interview to the media in Kaoma today, Mr Ngwelela reaffirmed the Royal Establishment’s commitment to hosting this year’s ceremony as planned. He said any changes or important developments regarding the event would be communicated through official NRE channels.

“As things stand, the Kazanga Traditional Ceremony will take place as scheduled from 8th to 9th August 2026,” he stated. The Prime Minister appealed to members of the public, especially those planning to travel to Kaoma, to come and participate in the celebrations. He expressed concern over the source of the rumors, noting that preparations for the ceremony were progressing smoothly.

The Royal Establishment has since urged the public to rely only on official updates from NRE ahead of the two-day cultural gathering. Kazanga is the major annual cultural festival of the Nkoya people of Kaoma District in Western Province. The ceremony was revived in 1988 after a period of inactivity.

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The event is traditionally a first-fruits harvest ritual and a thanksgiving to God for a bumper harvest. Historically, Kazanga was also a military occasion used to honour warriors and hunters who distinguished themselves by killing lions and leopards.

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