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Zambia’s Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people of Eastern Province has died at the age of 75, reports say.
Born David Njengembazo Jele, the traditional leader passed away at University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka at around 04:00 hours on Saturday, 30, May 2026.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni was widely respected for his role in preserving Ngoni culture and traditions and for promoting peace, unity and development within his chiefdom and the country at large.
During his reign, he played a key role in strengthening traditional leadership institutions and remained a prominent voice on matters affecting local communities and national development.
Here are key facts about Paramount Chief Mpezeni:
1. The late monarch, born Njengembaso kaKhuzwayo kaXilowa and also known as David Njengembaso Jele, was the fourth monarch of the Mpezeni dynasty and a direct descendant of 19th-century warrior king Mpezeni I kaZwangendaba.
2. Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV ascended the throne on June 19, 1982 after the death of his father Mpezeni III, making him one of Zambia’s longest-serving traditional rulers.
3. Born into the lineage of Prince Jele KaMfeka, his mother was Queen Soseya Nxumalo of the Ndwandwe royal house. His birthright title was _Inkosi Yamakhosi_ or _Inyandezulu.
4. Throughout his reign, Mpezeni IV presided over the annual Nc’wala Ceremony in Chipata, which celebrates the first fruits and commemorates the Ngoni migration led by King Zwangendaba from present-day South Africa.
5. The title “Paramount Chief” was formalized after 1898 following the Ngoni war with the British.
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6. Under Mpezeni IV, the chieftaincy retained ceremonial, customary and advisory powers over sub-chiefs, land matters and local dispute resolution.
7. He reigned for 44 years
Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has declared national mourning following the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV.
“We have received with deep sadness, the passing of His Majesty Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people,” President Hichilema stated.
The Head of State described the late paramount chief as a revered custodian of Ngoni culture and heritage, and a unifying symbol of Zambia’s rich cultural diversity.
“His Majesty was a revered custodian of Ngoni culture and heritage, and a unifying symbol of Zambia’s rich cultural diversity,” the President said.
He said Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s leadership would remain an enduring part of the national heritage.
He noted that the late Chief witnessed and cooperated with all seven Presidents of Zambia since independence, and in recent years endorsed climate governance initiatives under the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme.
“As we mourn this great loss, the nation stands united with the Ngoni Royal Establishment, the bereaved family, and the entire Ngoni people,” President Hichilema said.
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