MARY LEMBA
Lusaka
PEOPLE’S Pact presidential candidate and Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe says he will not attend the burial of Paramount Chief Mpezeni in Chipata tomorrow because Bemba royal traditions prohibit chiefs from coming into contact with death in order to avoid spiritual contamination.
According to a statement issued by his advisor on chiefs and traditional affairs, Mr Kapasa Makasa Kalulu on the SP leader’s Facebook page, Dr M’membe, who is said to be a Bemba traditional chief Mwika Mukulu, is bound by customs of the Bemba Royal Establishment that forbid chiefs from attending funerals.
Mr Kalulu said the restriction is intended to preserve the sacred status of traditional leaders and protect chieftainships from spiritual contamination.
“Bemba chiefs are forbidden from coming into contact with death. They cannot attend funerals. This rule preserves the kingdom’s sacred status and protects the chieftainships from spiritual contamination,” he said.
He explained that the customs form an integral part of Bemba tradition and are observed to preserve the kingdom’s cultural identity, maintain social harmony and ensure the spiritual protection of the Bemba people.
Mr Kalulu said the Bemba Royal Establishment strictly enforces the practices to maintain continuity between past and present generations and safeguard the institution of traditional leadership.
He said although Dr M’membe will not attend the burial, arrangements will be made at an appropriate time for him to pay his respects to the late traditional leader.
Mr Kalulu said Dr M’membe and Paramount Chief Mpezeni had been friends for more than 36 years.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni, the Ngoni traditional leader of Eastern Province, is scheduled to be put to rest in Chipata tomorrow… https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
