Mandela Calls on African Kingdoms to Lead Climate Fight
Mandela further praised the King's directive to protect the Hola Mountain, a sacred site for the Ngoni Nation.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Winnie Mandela, president of the Pan African Movement Afrika and the Diaspora, called for empowering African kingdoms to combat climate change during a speech at the African Green Climate Finance National Designated Authorities Network Summit in Nairobi on Friday, writes Winston Mwale.
Mandela, speaking at the summit, emphasized the need for concerted efforts to mitigate climate change and praised the work of various stakeholders.
However, she emphasized the potential of African kingdoms to play a vital role in environmental protection, suggesting they be empowered with skills and resources to effectively combat climate change.
She cited the example of the Ngoni Nation in Mombela Kingdom, Northern Malawi, where King Inkosi ya Makhosi M'mbelwa V has actively promoted environmental conservation through the annual Umthetho Cultural Festival.
"Both in 2023 and 2024, His Royal Majesty Inkosi ya Makhosi M'mbelwa V, King of the Ngoni Nation seized an opportunity to urge his people on the need for collaboration in fighting Climate Change," Mandela stated.
In 2023, the King spoke about integrating culture and the environment to mitigate climate change, while this year, he addressed the theme "Uniting Against Climate Change in the Decade of His Majesty Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mmbelwa V."
Mandela highlighted the King's commitment to supporting the Malawi government's initiatives to combat climate change within his 10,473-square-kilometer kingdom, where over 1 million people engage in various cultural activities.
The King has established environmental committees at the 10 Amakhosi headquarters, tasked with protecting the environment in the traditional centers, planting trees, and preventing deforestation and excessive hunting.
Mandela further praised the King's directive to protect the Hola Mountain, a sacred site for the Ngoni Nation.
"This is one major effort taken by the King to ensure that the environment is protected," Mandela said.
She concluded by calling for partnership and support for African kingdoms in their fight against climate change, drawing parallels with the positive steps taken by the Mombela Kingdom.
"African Kingdoms, as displayed by Mombela, command respect and this alone is a positive stride. African Kingdoms should be supported in the cause. As Pan African Movement, we hereby tender this noble appeal on behalf of African Kingdoms. I thank you for your kind attention," she said.