- Descendants of tribes who fled King Shaka reunite with South African relatives at ceremony in Zambia.
- The historic gathering helps scattered Ngoni people reconnect with their lost culture and traditions.
The Ngoni people who fled South Africa nearly 200 years ago have reunited with their Zulu cousins at a special ceremony in Zambia.
The descendants of chiefs Zwangendaba and Soshangane gathered for the annual iNcwala ceremony in Chipata, Zambia on Saturday. They were joined by the Gumbi clan from Phongolo, KwaZulu-Natal, whose ancestors they left behind after King Shaka defeated them.
Inkosi Gama from Tanzania told Scrolla.Africa it was a historic moment meeting his South African relatives.
“This is my first time attending this ceremony and it has allowed me to learn more about our history as the descendants of Zwangendaba. What I have noticed is that most of us as Ngoni people lost our real identity and culture after we left South Africa during the era of King Shaka.
“In Tanzania, we don’t even speak our own language but coming here in Zambia has taught me a lot about my ancestors,” said Gama.
Zwangendaba fled to Zambia to escape his brother Soshangane who wanted to kill him. He then crossed into Zimbabwe before finally settling in Tanzania, where he died.
This week, Ngoni and Zulu people marked Zwangendaba’s historic journey across the Zambezi River.
Wandile Ngobese told Scrolla.Africa they drove seven hours from Chipata to the Zambezi River, then took boats across to Zimbabwe to honour Zwangendaba’s crossing.
Inkosi Zeblon Gumbi from Phongola said the iNcwala harvest ceremony helps bring together Ngoni clans scattered across Africa after King Shaka drove them from their KwaZulu-Natal homeland.
Pictured above: King Mphezi IV of Zambia gave the Zulu regiments a warm welcome ahead of the iNcwala ceremony that is taking place in Chipata, Zambia.
Image source: Supplied by Prince Wandile Ngobese
