Zambia is mourning the loss of one of its most respected traditional leaders following the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people.
The revered traditional ruler died in the early hours of today at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka at the age of 75. His passing was announced by Senior Chief Nzamane, who served as the second-in-command within the Ngoni Royal Establishment.
According to the announcement, the late chief’s body has since been transferred to Maina Soko Military Hospital as the nation awaits details regarding funeral arrangements.
Born David Njengembazo Jele, Mpezeni IV ruled the Ngoni people for 44 years after ascending to the throne in 1982. He succeeded his father, Paramount Chief Mpezeni III, who had led the Ngoni kingdom for four decades before his death in 1981.
Before becoming chief, Mpezeni IV spent much of his early life in Efeni Village in Chipata District. He later moved to Livingstone, where he worked in a factory, unaware that destiny would soon call him back home to become one of Zambia’s most influential traditional leaders.
Ngoni historian Gumbi Jele previously recounted how members of the Angoni Royal Council travelled over a thousand kilometres to Livingstone to inform the young David Jele that he had been chosen to succeed his father following the traditional one-year mourning period.
At just 31 years old, he was crowned Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV in a ceremony attended by Ngoni royal representatives from both Zambia and Malawi. Zambia’s First Republican President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, was among the dignitaries present during the historic occasion.
Throughout his reign, Mpezeni IV became a symbol of cultural preservation and unity. He played a significant role in strengthening the Ncwala Traditional Ceremony, the Ngoni people’s annual first-fruits celebration that attracts thousands of participants and visitors from across Zambia and beyond.
The Paramount Chief also maintained strong ties with traditional and political leaders across Africa. During his reign, former South African President Jacob Zuma attended several Ncwala ceremonies, while Mpezeni IV himself was invited to witness the coronation of Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in 2022.
He is also remembered as the first Mpezeni to return to South Africa and visit the ancestral homeland of the Ngoni people, reconnecting with the roots of his forefathers.
Following news of his death, President Hakainde Hichilema paid tribute to the late traditional leader, describing him as a revered custodian of Ngoni culture and heritage.
“We have received with deep sadness the passing of His Majesty Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people,” President Hichilema said.
“His Majesty was a revered custodian of Ngoni culture and heritage, and a unifying symbol of Zambia’s rich cultural diversity. His distinguished service and leadership will remain an enduring part of our national heritage.”
The President further conveyed condolences to the Ngoni Royal Establishment, the bereaved family and the entire Ngoni people.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV leaves behind a wife, a child, grandchildren and a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
As Zambia mourns the end of a remarkable 44-year reign, many will remember him as a leader who fiercely protected Ngoni traditions while promoting unity, culture and national identity.
May his soul rest in peace.
