The Tonga people of Zambia live in the Southern Province of Zambia. They are an agricultural tribe and herding cattle and growing crops are the two most important aspects of their traditional economy. They have a deep connection to their livestock and their land, reflecting an ancient spiritual harmony with nature.
The Tonga are considered to be the original inhabitants of Zambia: sites dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries have been found on the Batoka Plateau, as well as ancient village sites near Kalomo and Choma. The oldest site can be found on Sebanzi Hill at Lochinvar Ranch, which is on the edge of the Kafue Flats.
Zambian history suggests that a thriving trading center existed in the Zambezi Valley 600 years ago. A site named Ingombe Ilede was unearthed by archaeologists and showed that people lived here and traded with the Arabs, Chinese and Indians. Copper crosses of about 30 cm in length have been found to be the main unit of currency.
The word ‘Tonga’ means ‘independent’ and confirms the theory that the Tongan people originally did not have a centralized political structure but lived in independent family units. Traditionally, chiefdom was not part of the Tongan tradition. Rather, priests and rainmakers were considered to be more important leaders. It was only when the colonial administration was creating its leadership structure that chiefs were assigned to the Tongan people. As a result of the changes brought about by the colonial administration, the chiefdom is now an integral part of Tongan politics.
Rather confusingly, a Monze Chief is referenced long before the British arrived in Zambia. Chief Monze was not a Chief as we know him, but a priest, prophet, rainmaker and mediator. The current Chief Monze, who is a spiritual and cultural leader highly respected by a large community, descends from a long lineage that dates back to the 17th century when, according to tradition, the first Chief Monze descended from heaven.
The Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony is Tonga’s main ceremony and takes place in the south-west of the city of Monze on the last Sunday in June. It is a traditional ceremony filled with music, lively dance and prayer. ‘Gonde’ means thick bush and this is the place where the shrines of the Tongan people are located. It is the place where the first Chief Monze disappeared; tradition says that he did not die. Gonde became the burial place for all the chiefs, although only two are actually buried there. (A detailed article on the Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony has been written and is entitled Cultural Heritage of Zambia – The Traditional Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony).
This article is inspired by the book ‘Ceremony! Celebrating Zambia’s Cultural Heritage’. It’s a fabulous, eye-pleasing book that I encourage you to get. I got mine from ZAIN in Lusaka, Zambia. It is published by Celtel Zambia PLC and Seka. Original photography, Francois d’Elbee. Coordinating author, Tamara Guhrs. Editor, Mulunga Kapwepwe. Contributing authors, Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, Prof. Mapopa Mtonga, Mulenga Kapwepwe, Isaac Smogy Kapinga, Miranda Guhrs, Msatero Tembo, Matiya Ngalande, and Joseph Chikuta.
