By Lovemore katanda
Traditional leaders in Mangochi have asked President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera to consider alleviating challenges chiefs in the lakeshore district and other surrounding areas are currently facing.
Among others,chiefs particularly from chewa ethnic are complaining about lack of promotion, oppression and unresolved chieftaincy wrangles,saying the situation is delaying development projects in their respective areas.
The chiefs raised their concerns on Sunday, March 16,2025 during the interface meeting with Malawi Chewa Heritage officials at saint Augustine 3 in the district.
Speaking on behalf of other chiefs, senior group village headman M’baluku asked Chakwera to give them ( chiefs) an audience and facially listen to their concerns.
“We have been knocking on the doors asking to meet our president but our efforts proved futile.
“We hope the coming of Gogo Sosola is the answer to our demand,” he said.
Commenting on the same, senior group village headman mpinganjira said chiefs have vowed to establish national cultural festival similar to Kulamba ceremony which annually takes place in Zambia inorder to give chance to Chewa people, watch different traditional dances of their ethnic and promote solidarity among Chewa people in the country.
“Kalonga is just a tittle given to king of Chewa people who has settled in a particular area.We have our own kalongas in Malawi,” narrated Mpinganjira.
In response,Malawi Chewa Heritage Chairperson Raphael Phiri popularly known as Gogo Sosola of Salima district clarified that his organisation will continue with efforts of bringing Chewa people together to promote peace and spirit of togetherness.
“I came here to trace untapped and oppressed ethnic.Our Chewa chiefs are facing numerous challenges due to lack of chief’s leadership.This problem is huge,”complained Sosola.
He further narrated that through Malawi Chewa Heritage,he will quickly address the chiefs’ concerns and bring unity among Chewa traditional leaders.
In conclusion,Gogo Sosola stressed that from this year,Malawi will now be conducting Chewa cultural national festival with the purpose of uniting and promoting Chewa culture across the country.
