A HISTORICAL MEETING BETWEEN NGONI KING MPHEZENI AND THE CHIKUNDAS OF ZUMBO!
On 21 June, 2000, King Mphezeni IV of the Ngoni Nation of Chipata District of Zambia, officially apologized to the Chikunda People of Luangwa for the brutal killing of their forefathers in November, 1835, by the Ngonis led by their inspirational figurehead, Zwangendaba.
The Ngonis had found the Chikundas at Zumbo in present day Mozambique. Using their boats and knowledge of swimming, the Chikundas had helped the Ngonis to cross the dreaded Zambezi River (Ugwembe River in the local dialect) on 19th November, 1835; there was in fact an eclipse of the Sun on this day.
When the whole group had crossed over, Zwangendaba had told the Chikundas to follow them on their trek. When they refused to do so, he ordered his impis to slaughter them fearing that they would the same way aid his enemies (The Zulus) whom he thought were still pursing him. Their boats were subsequently destroyed.
It is interesting to note that some Ngonis were left behind at Zumbo for various reasons. Some were too old to continue moving, some were injured and some were simply tired to continue the Exodus. In retaliation, the Chikundas made these Ngonis their slaves or captives.
A Beautiful Ngoni woman was in fact sold to the Tongas and she was married to a Tonga chief and even had children with him. Zambian historian, Simeja Mambo Siampande Siamatanga, who is himself a Tonga, actually has some Ngoni blood as he traces his roots from this same Ngoni woman who married a Tonga Chief.
There had never been an apology rendered to the Chikundas until the year 2000.
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