A dispute has emerged over the organisation of this year’s Chewa Cultural Ceremony after iNkosi ya Makosi Gomani V accused the Chewa Heritage Foundation of holding the event without seeking approval from his office.
Speaking at Ziyembe Headquarters during a memorial ceremony to unveil the gravestone of the late Inkosi Njolomole IV, Gomani V said he was disappointed that the Foundation went ahead with the annual ceremony held at Dzoole in Ntcheu District without informing his office.
Gomani V said he was particularly surprised to hear Chewa Heritage Foundation Chairperson Stanley Khaira thanking the royal house for allowing the ceremony to take place in the area, insisting that no permission had been requested or granted.
According to Gomani V, the Foundation never approached his office for authorization before organizing the event, saying such cultural activities should follow established traditional channels.
However, Group Village Head Dzoole dismissed the claims, maintaining that the organisers submitted a letter requesting permission through Traditional Authority Kwataine.
Khaira also defended the Foundation, saying he was surprised by Gomani V’s remarks because all relevant authorities had been informed ahead of the event.
Speaking to the media, Khaira said the organizers notified the District Commissioner, the Chairperson of Ntcheu District Council, the area’s Member of Parliament and Senior Chief Kwataine, among others.
“You know that Dzoole is only a Group Village Head under Senior Chief Kwataine. They wrote a letter to Senior Chief Kwataine with the expectation that the information would be passed on to iNkosi ya Makosi Gomani V,” said Khaira.
The annual Chewa Cultural Ceremony was held on July 4, 2026 at Dzoole in Ntcheu District, attracting members of the Chewa community and other guests.
Speaking at Ziyembe Headquarters during a memorial ceremony to unveil the gravestone of the late Inkosi Njolomole IV, Gomani V said he was disappointed that the Foundation went ahead with the annual ceremony held at Dzoole in Ntcheu District without informing his office.
Gomani V said he was particularly surprised to hear Chewa Heritage Foundation Chairperson Stanley Khaira thanking the royal house for allowing the ceremony to take place in the area, insisting that no permission had been requested or granted.
According to Gomani V, the Foundation never approached his office for authorization before organizing the event, saying such cultural activities should follow established traditional channels.
However, Group Village Head Dzoole dismissed the claims, maintaining that the organisers submitted a letter requesting permission through Traditional Authority Kwataine.
Khaira also defended the Foundation, saying he was surprised by Gomani V’s remarks because all relevant authorities had been informed ahead of the event.
Speaking to the media, Khaira said the organizers notified the District Commissioner, the Chairperson of Ntcheu District Council, the area’s Member of Parliament and Senior Chief Kwataine, among others.
“You know that Dzoole is only a Group Village Head under Senior Chief Kwataine. They wrote a letter to Senior Chief Kwataine with the expectation that the information would be passed on to iNkosi ya Makosi Gomani V,” said Khaira.
The annual Chewa Cultural Ceremony was held on July 4, 2026 at Dzoole in Ntcheu District, attracting members of the Chewa community and other guests.
