ISEMBE TALITWA

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Ministry of Education-Curriculum Development Center (CDC) Approved.
 

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NJELELE

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LUNGA’S BURIAL SITE FOR THE BLAMELESS! "The secret behind the respect accorded to sacred areas and their environs lie in the taboos that are associated with them," so they say. In Lunga, Njelele is one such place!  It is a tiny Island that looks desolate but with a strong cultural attachment to the beliefs of the Unga people. In 1974 when my mother died at Mukanga village in Chief Bwalya Mponda of Ncheta Island, one of my uncles firmly suggested that she be buried at Njelele, 40 kilometers away in Nsamba chiefdom. Uncle Chalwe was convinced that if his sister’s death was caused by someone within the village, she would come to haunt the killer’s family until they were identified.  Secondly, if the killer tried to stop her by going to her grave and frustrate her vengeance strategies, s/he will be harmed by all the innocent souls buried at Njelele. It was undoubtedly believed that only guiltless people who never practiced witchcraft and other vic...
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JOHN KANGULU MACHELETA- MUWELE'S HERO

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   It all happened like a dream.  Fewer people remained in the village because many were in Nkutu, the seasonal farming camps. The rainy-season weather was cold, with sunshine showing up in an on-and-off pattern. Tall, green grass characterized pathways as the smell of ripe mangoes filled the air.   I woke up to the news that Mungwi Boys Secondary School had selected  us,  with two others.  Rasford was beaming with joy when he came to announce the news, braving heavy morning dew. His admission forms were well-tugged in his pocket when he joked that we had all failed for the second time before he patted me on the back and told me to relax and go and collect my acceptance letter. My heart sunk in relief.  Ten others were to attend different secondary schools from Muwele Primary School in 1981. Our long wait for Grade 7 results finally ended around mid-February. I dashed to see the Headteacher in a flash, Mwansa in tow. I...
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THE UNGA TRIBE AND LAND TENURE

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THE UNGA TRIBE AND LAND TENURE It is interesting to note how “land” is methodically demarcated on and around Lunga islands. Every bit of the canal, lagoon, river or land of each island belong to some clan with one person in charge. A well-defined territory either belongs to Bena Mumba, Bena Mfula, Bena Ng’oma, Bena Mbushi or so clan. The ultimate familial landlord is called a Chipupila with full authority and tenure rights. S/he is sometimes referred to as Kapepa.   Chipupila is typically the intercessor between the chief and ancestral spirits of the land. He is the de facto sub-chief believed to possess spiritual powers to bless or curse his “land.” S/he performs rituals that maintain the people's relationship with nature.. S/he inherits this office at the death of the family appointed representative. He or she must be as conversant as the past Chipupila about the history and borders of the region. They also assume the role of custodians of totems known as inshipa, ...
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HOME SWEET HOME

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  One of my dear sisters recently said, 'Home is not where you live, but where you belong.' My Chafye Tour/Family This post proved true as I experienced it when I visited Lunga, particularly Chafye Island, last April 2023. After a long time, I checked on my sister and her children. I travelled from my habitat in Ndola from 05:30hrs in the morning, arriving in Chafye at 19:30hrs. This trip was a combination of a journey by public bus and a voyage by public and private boats. The swamps are as pristine as I saw them many years ago. However, the village has grown significantly. Many youths who had just heard about me were just as anxious to see me as I was. Everything fell in so naturally. I enjoyed the camaraderie I yearned for in the last fifteen years. Indeed, I received a thunderous welcome on the eve of the Social Cash Transfer disbursement day! You guessed right what transpired the following day. Merrymaking! Please note that I am not exaggerating by using the word...
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