LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Ngwenyama Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V has called for greater emphasis on cultural education, family values and heritage preservation as the Maseko Ngoni prepare for the 2026 uMhlangano.
Speaking during a fundraising dinner and dance at the Sunbird Capital Marquee in Lilongwe on Friday, August 21, 2026, Ngwenyama said the extended six-day programme should be used to teach younger generations about Maseko Ngoni history, traditions and values rather than allowing the annual gathering to focus mainly on dancing and entertainment.
The 2026 uMhlangano will run from August 31 to September 5 in Ntcheu under the theme “Ubunye Bunamandla,” meaning “Unity is Strength.” The celebrations will culminate at the Gomani Chikuse Memorial Grounds in Nkolimbo Village.
Ngwenyama said this year’s programme would also place particular emphasis on the family, expressing concern over declining adherence to traditional marriage practices.
He said strong families provide the foundation for strong communities, making the promotion of family values an important component of this year’s uMhlangano.
The Ngwenyama thanked traditional leaders, government officials, businesses, communities and other stakeholders supporting preparations for the annual gathering, saying their participation demonstrated appreciation of the importance of preserving Maseko Ngoni culture and heritage.
The programme includes a conference involving chairpersons of various impis, community engagements by Inkosikazinkulu Khanyisa Rishaladza Gomani, visits to hospitals and villages, and cultural performances depicting different aspects of Ngoni life, including traditional marriage practices.
Inkosi M’mbelwa also addressed the fundraising dinner and dance, encouraging members of the Ngoni community, including those with formal education, to remain connected to their cultural traditions.
M’mbelwa referred to cultural advocate Khumbo Soko’s argument that education should not separate people from their cultural identity, stressing the importance of maintaining cultural values while embracing modern education and development.
During the event, M’mbelwa recognised officials from the Office of Vice-President Dr Jane Ansah and called on the Vice-President and her representatives to support the cultural initiative.
Officials from the Office of Vice-President Dr Jane Ansah, who attended the fundraising dinner and dance at the Sunbird Capital Marquee in Lilongwe on Friday, August 21, 2026, joined traditional leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in supporting the Maseko Ngoni cultural initiative.
M’mbelwa also spoke about his longstanding relationship with Sean Chilima, the son of the late Vice-President Saulos Chilima and Mrs Mary Chilima, who was an Impi of the Maseko Gomani Ngonis.
He recalled his relationship with the late former Vice-President, whom he said he regularly visited and with whom he held discussions, before calling on those gathered to observe a minute of silence in his honour.
Deputy Minister of Health Charles Chilambula was also among the government officials present at the fundraising event.
The 2026 uMhlangano represents an expansion of the traditional programme, which previously ran for about four days. Organisers say the six-day celebration will create more space for cultural education, community engagement, heritage preservation and the transmission of Ngoni traditions to younger generations.
The celebrations are expected to bring together traditional leaders, members of the Maseko Ngoni community, cultural groups, government representatives, businesses and other stakeholders, with the Ngwenyama’s vision centred on strengthening unity while preserving the history, customs and values of the Maseko Ngoni people.
