Zambia Bids Farewell to Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV

President Hakainde Hichilema is expected in Eastern Province today for the burial of Paramount Chief Mpezeni, one of Zambia's most influential traditional leaders.

Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, has confirmed that the President will join the royal family and the people of Eastern Province in laying the late chief to rest. Mr Phiri said the burial site has been prepared in line with official funeral requirements and in keeping with Ngoni customs, ensuring the traditional leader is honoured with the dignity befitting his status.

As the nation prepares to bid farewell, Mr Phiri appealed to citizens to continue maintaining peace and harmony throughout the period of mourning. His call reflects the deep respect held for the late Paramount Chief, whose leadership left a lasting mark not only on the Ngoni people but on the country as a whole.

The funeral is expected to draw mourners from far beyond Zambia's borders. Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, said several foreign delegations would travel to Chipata to pay their respects. Among them will be members of the Ngoni community from Tanzania and Malawi, a delegation from Eswatini, and representatives from Mozambique, a reflection of the Paramount Chief's standing across the region and the shared heritage that binds these communities together.

His passing marks the end of an era for the Ngoni people. As Zambia comes together in mourning, the presence of the President and visiting delegations underlines the unifying role he played throughout his reign