Malawi Students Take Eye-Opening Journey into Ngoni History with their Good News Room
Written by J. Mnjiri, Jill Dando Student Journalists at their Good News Room in Malawi, Africa
History came alive for Mnjiri CDSS students as they embarked on an educational trip to Edingeni on November 2, 2024, to deepen their understanding of Ngoni culture and history.
For years, students had studied the Ngoni people’s migration in textbooks, but this journey provided a rare opportunity to experience oral history firsthand.
Reflecting on the trip, student Mafunancy Chavinda shared: “Many books say that Shaka Zulu was the main reason the Ngoni people, including the Jere Ngoni, fled South Africa to Malawi.
However, this journey helped us learn directly from the Ngoni people that the primary cause was the Mfecane war.”
The students were welcomed by Thole, a representative of Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V, who spoke about the Ngoni people’s enduring presence and contributions
“When I introduce myself as a Ngoni, people realize that the Ngoni culture is still alive, and many are happy to meet me.
Our leader, M’mbelwa V, has brought significant development and unity among different ethnic groups. He also started the Umuthetho Festival, an annual celebration of Ngoni heritage.
Thole emphasised that culture plays a vital role in national progress.
“Development starts with unity and respect. If we do not respect each other, we cannot develop.
Every ethnic group deserves recognition. While our culture remains unchanged, we are adapting to modern challenges, such as climate change technologies.”
A major milestone for the Ngoni people has been the introduction of a Ngoni language book in schools, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Thole expressed hope that this would help young students learn and appreciate their heritage.
“We want to ensure that future generations can differentiate between Ngoni and Tumbuka dialects, such as Nkhamanga and Jiva. Writing these words down helps preserve our identity.”
For many students, this trip was eye-opening.
Victoria Chirwa, one of the participants, shared her excitement:
“I am so grateful for this trip! I never expected to learn so much today. I even discovered where Malawi’s first president, Kamuzu Banda, got his ‘Four Pillars of Wisdom’.”
Through this immersive experience, Mnjiri CDSS students gained not just knowledge but a deeper appreciation for their cultural roots, ensuring that Ngoni history remains alive for generations to come.
