By Celani Sikhakhane
- Thousands gathered in Zambia to honour King Mphezeni IV, who spent more than 40 years leading the Ngoni nation and strengthening ties with the Zulu kingdom.
- The funeral reunited Ngoni and Zulu descendants from Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa in a rare show of unity.
The funeral of King Mphezeni IV of the Ngoni nation became more than a farewell to a respected monarch.
It turned into a powerful reunion of descendants whose ancestors fought during the Mfecane wars and the famous Battle of Isandlwana in the 1800s.
King Mphezeni IV was laid to rest at eKuphendukeni Royal Palace in Zambia’s Chipata Province on Tuesday.
The King died last week at the age of 75 after a long illness.
He ruled the Ngoni kingdom in Zambia for more than four decades and was widely respected for strengthening ties between the Ngoni and Zulu nations.
His funeral brought together descendants of King Zwangendaba kaHlatshwayo and King Shaka kaSenzangakhona.
The Ngoni people trace their roots to KwaZulu-Natal.
In 1831, King Zwangendaba led his followers north during the upheavals of the Mfecane period. They crossed the Zambezi River into present-day Zambia and later moved into areas that are now Tanzania. After years of conflict and migration, they returned to Zambia, where King Zwangendaba died in 1848.
Speaking on behalf of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Prince Thulani Zulu said the bond between the Zulu and Ngoni nations remains strong despite borders separating them.
“The bond between our nations is ancient and sacred. It was forged through our shared history and has been protected by generations of leaders,” said Prince Thulani.
He praised King Mphezeni IV for keeping that relationship alive throughout his reign.
“He stood as a bridge between our nations, reminding us that although borders separate us, our ancestry and values unite us.”
Prince Thulani described the King’s death as the fall of a mighty tree that shakes the entire forest.
He said the Ngoni nation could find comfort in the fact that King Mphezeni IV’s legacy would live on.
“His love for his people, his commitment to tradition and his dignity as King will continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
Political speeches were not allowed at the funeral, with the focus placed entirely on honouring the late King.
Ngoni delegations from Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique joined members of the Zulu nation from South Africa to pay their final respects.
The gathering highlighted the deep historical ties that continue to connect these nations nearly 200 years after their ancestors parted ways.
Pictured above: A member of the Zambian Army assists Inkosi Mbhekiseni Gumbi and Prince Wandile kaThathezakhe Ngobese as they lay a wreath at the funeral of King Mphezeni IV in Zambia.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
