Ngoni Queen Promotes Exchange Visits for Cultural, Economic Development in Mzimba
Nkomo stressed the visits' role in helping youth learn about their culture quickly and in making it easier for NGOs to reach and support community initiatives.
MZIMBA, Malawi— Her Majesty Nkomo Mmbelwa V, queen of the Mzimba Ngoni, has emphasized the importance of exchange visits for sharing development ideas among chiefdoms in Mzimba District, writes Lovemore Shaba.
Speaking at Edingeni Royal Palace during a visit by 70 women led by Inkosikazi Mabilabo, Nkomo said, "Being together could help to generate business ideas, which will help us to be independent financially. As Amakhosi's wives, we are also custodians of our culture."
The queen highlighted the visits' potential to facilitate NGO support and preserve Ngoni culture.
"If we have such women groups in all Amakhosi headquarters, NGOs working in the district will give support to what we want to venture into," Nkomo added.
She encouraged groups in the kingdom to make Ngoni attire, engage in large-scale farming, and introduce schools teaching the Ngoni language to children.
The exchange visits initiative in Mzimba Ngoni Nation began in 2019 but faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nkomo stressed the visits' role in helping youth learn about their culture quickly and in making it easier for NGOs to reach and support community initiatives.