Nambya people in bid to preserve rich heritage

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Chief Shana’s palace near Victoria Falls came to life on Friday where hundreds of people attended the annual Jambezi Cultural Festival, which is meant to preserve Nambya people’s culture

Organisers of the festival say it is one of the ways they are using to preserve the Nambya culture for people that are mainly found in Matabeleland North’s Hwange district.

Hwange regional magistrate Collet Ncube, who officiated at the event, said the festival was meant to teach young people about Nambya culture.

“Young people are the next custodians of our culture and this is why my message when I was officiating hammered on that impact,” Ncube, who hails from Shashachuma village under Chief Whange said.

“Young people need to be taught about our values as Nambya people and have a deeper understanding of how some things are done in our traditions and norms so that they can pass it to the next generation.”

Close to 200 young people and school going children gathered at the palace where some aspects of Nambya traditions were showcased.

Wben Chief Shana arrived everyone knelt down as his clan praises were being chanted.

In-between the praises, women ululated and clapped hands while men remained seated on the ground.

“The numbers of youths and children was overwhelming and as the elderly people we felt honoured by that because some came as far as Matetsi and Sidinda,” Ncube said.

“Our cultures play a huge role in shaping the children while preparing them for bigger roles as they grow and this also helps in raising law abiding communities and that strengthens the culture while lessening crimes in courts.”

According to the Nambya Cultural Association, an organisation advocating for the promotion of Nambya, the Nambyan people trace their origins to 1700 and 12 kings have headed their kingdom.

The organization says King Nchengwa Nengasha was the last king of baNambya in terms of authority before white settlers opened the then Wankie Colliery Company.

However, the rebellion from 1893 to 1896 brought down the Wange Kingdom and after the death of King Nengasha, instead of kingdoms, all leaders were appointed as chiefs.