August 2026
MALAWI — Inkosi Polykarp Mputa Gama was among the distinguished traditional leaders who attended the Umthetho Cultural Festival, held at Hora Mountain in Mzimba, Malawi, from 4–8 August 2026, under the patronage of His Majesty Inkosi Yamakhosi Mmbelwa V.
Inkosi Mputa Gama formed part of the delegation from Ruvuma, Tanzania, led by Inkosi Yamakhosi Zulu Gama, with the support of Ruvuma Regional Commissioner Brigadier General Ahmed Abbas.His participation carries particular significance because Inkosi Mputa Gama maintains a presence in both Malawi and Tanzania, enabling him to play a continuing role in strengthening relationships between Ngoni communities in the two countries. Through his traditional leadership and cultural engagement, he continues to support and participate in Ngoni activities in Malawi, while maintaining strong connections with the Ngoni communities and traditional institutions in Tanzania.
For Inkosi Mputa Gama, Umthetho provided an opportunity to experience the richness of Ngoni culture in Mzimba and to reconnect with traditions that link Ngoni communities across present-day borders.“The festival was very well organised, and I was impressed by how smoothly the programme progressed. There was a strong sense of order, participation and respect throughout the gathering. The dancing, traditional food, music and cultural presentations created an environment in which our people could celebrate who they are,” said Inkosi Mputa Gama.
He described the journey to Hora Mountain as one of the most meaningful elements of the festival.“The pilgrimage to Hora Mountain was important to me because it gave us an opportunity to connect with our ancestors and draw strength from the history of our people. Places such as Hora carry memories that cannot simply be written in books. They must be visited, respected and preserved.”
The Hora Heritage Site was another aspect that left a lasting impression on the traditional leader.“What I saw at the Heritage Site gave me something to think deeply about. The traditional kraal, the huts and the way the homestead has been presented give people a real sense of how our ancestors lived. It is not only a place to visit; it is a place where our history is made visible.”
Inkosi Mputa Gama said the heritage development at Hora had strengthened his desire to see similar initiatives developed among the Ngoni in Tanzania.“I would like us in Tanzania to revive these aspects of our heritage. We should build cultural spaces that reflect our traditional homes, our way of life and our history. Our young people should have places where they can see and understand the culture that belongs to them.”
He also recognised the importance of continued government support for cultural and traditional programmes in both countries.“I appreciate the Governments of Malawi and Tanzania for continuing to support initiatives that bring our people together. Culture requires support, protection and investment. When we preserve our heritage, we are investing in the identity of future generations.”
Inkosi Mputa Gama believes that the relationship between the Ngoni of Malawi and Tanzania must continue to grow through regular interaction, cultural exchanges and traditional leadership engagement.“Wherever the Ngoni are found, we must continue to recognise one another and support one another. Our responsibility as traditional leaders is to keep these relationships alive and ensure that our culture is not weakened by distance or modern borders.”
His participation at Umthetho comes as part of his broader commitment to supporting Ngoni cultural activities in Malawi while strengthening traditional and cultural relations with Tanzania. His ability to maintain close connections in both countries places him in a unique position to contribute to this cross-border cultural relationship.
Looking ahead, Inkosi Mputa Gama has extended an invitation to the wider Ngoni community to gather in Tanzania for the 2027 Majimaji Commemoration.
Activities will begin with commemorative programmes in different districts from 19 February 2027, leading to the national climax on 27 February 2027 in Songea, Ruvuma, Tanzania. Ngoni Day in Maposeni, Songea, will form part of the programme preceding the main commemoration.“I invite all Ngonis to join us in Tanzania. From 19 February, different districts will host commemorative activities, culminating in the national event in Songea on 27 February 2027. This is an opportunity for us to come together, honour our ancestors, remember our history and strengthen our bonds as the Ngoni people.”For Inkosi Mputa Gama, the experience of Umthetho has reinforced a simple but important message: the preservation of Ngoni heritage depends on the willingness of its people to remain connected, participate in one another’s cultural activities and create spaces where history can be carried forward.Issued by AYIL – Malawi August 2026
