On 22th June 2013 the inauguration of Chief Wesley Shabongwe Mulobela took place in Baambwe, a small village about 20 km from Namwala. This celebration officially endeda long quarrel about the succession of the former Chief Mukobela. He is the traditional leader of the area around Namwala. His grandfather Lubanga Shabongwe Mukobela founded Mubanga Shabongwe Primary School in Namwala, one of the first primary schools for the indigenous people.
The ceremony was attended by many people of the Chieftaincy Mukobela and of surrounding chieftaincies. The central government was represented by the Minister of Justice, Mr Wynter Kalimba, and the Minister for the Southern Province Mr Daniel Munkombwe. Numerous other provincial authorities, party officials, Chiefs and representatives of many local authorities attended too.
When I visited Namwala in February, Chief Mukobela gave me a video of the inauguration with the request that I make a digital photo album out of it. A selection of these pictures is shown here.
Johannes van der Weijden
Baambwe: the preparations for the
celebration are completed.
The arrival of important
government representatives
Minister of Southern Province Daniel Munkombwe
greets the Minister of Justice Wynter Kalimba.
Primary school pupils sing the National Anthem.
Communal prayer. Left: Alex Kaande,
who translated the speeches delivered in Ila
into English and vice versa
Politicians
District Commissioner. Gevar Nsanzya greets
the guests and asks the organisation committee
to step forward
The organisation committee introduces itself
His Royal Highness Chief Monze introduces himself
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Nwenda
introduces herself
His Royal Highness Chief Mungaila
introduces himself
The Minister of the Southern Province,
Daniel Munkombwe, introduces himself
Headteacher Robinson Mulamfu introduces himself
Edward Shakalima, one of the oldest inhabitants
of Baambwe, introduces himself.
His Royal Highness Chief Mukobela steps forward
for the inauguration, accompanied by his family.
Minister of Justice Wynter Kalimba places the red
cloak around Chief Mukobela’s shoulders
Speech of Chief Monze
Royal Family of Chief Mukobela
His Royal Highness
Chief Mukobela
First wife of Chief Mukobela
Second wife of Chief Mukobela
Third wife of Chief Mukobela
Speech of Minister Daniel Munkombwe
Chief box
Guest box
Speech of Justice Minister Wynter Kalimba
Gifts for Chief Mukobela
Congratulations to Chief Mukobela
Prayer to end the ceremony
Eating together at the end of the celebration
