Maseko Ngoni Paramount Chief iNkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V has declared that his reign will not tolerate any form of indiscipline by traditional leaders or their subjects, particularly acts committed under the guise of culture. Speaking during an iMbizo held on Saturday at his palace grounds in Lizulu, Ntcheu, Gomani adopted a firm, business-unusual stance as he addressed challenges affecting his people—many of which, he said, stem from years of neglect, laziness and misplaced expectations. Two issues stood out in his address.
Speaking with the authority of the Ngwenyama—loosely translated as “the lion commands”—Gomani carefully chose his words to send both a warning and a call for reform to those inclined towards business as usual. He said: “Going forward, I want all of us, men especially, to ensure that dowry is included in our marriages. This applies to traditional leaders and everyone else alike.
No man is exempt. On this matter, as long as I live, I will not step back. I, therefore, ask all relevant authorities and families to ensure this is followed to the letter—at least among our people.
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This is the main decree of today’s iMbizo.” Beer drinking was another contentious issue Gomani addressed. While acknowledging its central place in Ngoni tradition, he emphasised that the practice must be exercised with responsibility. “Nothing perturbs me more than receiving reports of ills arising from this age-old tradition—especially among the youth, who end up committing various absurd acts due to alcohol,” he said.
He clarified that he was not opposed to beer drinking itself, but to drunkenness, which he said erodes personal responsibility. In Ngoni tradition, an iMbizo refers to a meeting convened by a traditional leader. At Lizulu, the gathering has, over the years, evolved into an annual thanksgiving ceremony marking the beginning of a new year.
Unlike other assemblies such as the famed uMhlangano, the iMbizo is convened directly by the Ngwenyama, with members of the royal family playing a central role in organising the event. Earlier in the week, chairperson of the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust, Inkosi Senior Chief Makwangwala, promised that this year’s iMbizo would be special and memorable—and it lived up to that billing. Apart from Gomani’s address, which included plans to convene his iNdunas to develop an all-inclusive strategic plan aimed at reforming and reviving Ngoni culture, the event also featured tributes to fallen Ngwenyamas—Ngwenyama II,III and Ngwenyama Gomani IV.
Gomani and his wife, Her Royal Highness Rishaladza Mathebula, led families, government officials and invited guests in laying wreaths at the former leaders’ graves. Bishop Betson Mkozomba of the United Assemblies of Malawi Churches, Reverend Nehemiah Kanzanthu of Mlanda CCAP and Sheikh Kazembe Sabiti of Lizulu Mosque led prayers, setting a reflective tone for the gathering. Traditional dances and other cultural performances followed in the afternoon.
As with any major Ngoni gathering, the iMbizo featured key cultural elements such as traditional cuisine, music and social interaction. Minister of Information and Digitisation Shadreck Namalomba, who was addressed by his clan name Aphiri or Ajere, attended the event. Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, his wife Mary, musician Zeze Kingston and his wife Dorothy Shonga were also there.
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