By Cedric Nkungula
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday installed Joseph Bongololo Gondwe as Themba la Mathemba Chikulamayembe the 13th at a ceremony that took place at Chikulamayembe Headquarters in Rumphi District.
There were disagreements prior to the installation of Bongololo as Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe with Mtima Gondwe claiming to be the rightful heir to the throne.
The matter was referred to the high court where Bongololo Gondwe was declared a winner.
In his remarks during the installation ceremony, Chakwera advised the new chief not to be segregatory but rather work with everyone in order to bring about development in the area.
The president hailed Mtima Gondwe, the former acting Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe and his followers for accepting that the installation ceremony be done in a peaceful manner.
“I therefore ask you the newly installed chief to work with everyone including your adversaries inorder to bring about peace and development in this area,” he emphasized.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Local Government Dr Blessings Chinsinga praised Chakwera for presiding over the ceremony saying it’s an indication that the president values culture.
In his speech, Member of Parliament (MP) for the area Adadawiza Mkandawire took time asking the Chakwera administration to intervene in a number of challenges facing the area such poor road network and electricity challenges among others.
Taking his turn, Paramount Chief Kyungu emphasized that the main task ahead of the new chief is to unite the Nkhamanga Kingdom.
“Chieftaincy is not war. Tell your people the importance of peace, the importance of love and the importance of respect for one another. Where there is peace, love and respect, everything is possible,” he said.
Inkosi ya Makhosi Mbelwa 5 advised the new chief to be apolitical in his undertakings.
“Let me also call upon the people of Rumphi to maintain peace and order,” he said.
Group Village Headman Chikalamba dispelled rumours that the newly crowned chief was chosen by President Chakwera.
“No, the new paramount chief was chosen by the royal family,” he explained.