Water is life, and life depends on rivers! In other parts of the world rivers or waters are regarded as sources of peace, freedom, spiritual and opportunity. The most part of the Kuomboka Ceremony is usually held on the Zambezi River [the fourth longest river in Africa] through the journey the Nalikwanda Royal badge traverses, said Dr. Kamayoyo Kelvin, Zambian Economist and Scholar. The 2024 Kuomboka Ceremony has produced a number of notable unique things but most cardinal is the impressive unity in diversity and contentment which will leave an indelible memories in the lives of many people for generations to come especially among the Lozi and Bemba speaking people.
Notwithstanding, the contemporaneousness of unity and hospitality demonstrated principally on Saturday, 20th April, 2024 [during Kuomboka Ceremony] between His Majesty Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II and His Majesty Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga ll, has gained iconic status. The gesture of unity and unquestionable hospitality demonstrated by the two great traditional leaders is likely to impact positively on both social and economic aspects of the Lozis’ and Bembas’ cultural heritage formations. Discernibly, the strength of cultural cohesiveness will be fundamental in transmitting the unity among Lozis and Bembas at community or household levels.
Undeniably unity in all aspects of human development is crucial and remains an essential prerequisite for mutual respect and peaceful co-existence for all. The scripture guides us on unity through Ephesians 4:2-3 that; “(2) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. (3) You are joined together with peace through the spirit. Do all you can to continue as you are, letting peace hold you together.” Unity therefore has been sealed and the people of the two regions, thus, Northern and Western Provinces ought to harness this landmark occasion for sustainable business and trade opportunities going forward.
The Unity demonstrated and sealed is shatterproof and is likely to exist for the foreseeable future. Indubitably, this unity is beyond symbolic but touches the protoplasmic of cultural heritage for both Lozis and Bembas towards a better shared future and prosperity for all. In spite of the aforesaid, the effected unity is a capable “cultural integration- game changer” which socially compels Lozis and Bembas to now look at each other in a much more cooperative manner and desire to exercise empathy for one another at any instance.
The vivid beacon of this unity lies in the “ignited new era” characterised by an admirable tribal cousinship between Lozis and Bembas whose likely long term benefit is positive inter-and intra-cultural transformations, consonance and co-existence. Additionally, this unity confirms the serious realisation globally that there is hope in building sincere partnerships and synergies given the distinct niche strength each party brings. This unity created is equally not an exception. It therefore urgently calls for the people of the two regions and other stakeholders alike to implement the bilateral cultural unity and harmony manifested during Kuomboka Ceremony for sustained peace, love and happiness for all.
For comments contact the author who is an economist, writer, climate advocate, rivers guardian, and Scholar, on email:[email protected]
