GUEST ARTICLE: A Tribute to Greatness, Remembering Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV
By Colonel Martin Kalaluka Liyungu
It is with profound sorrow that I have received the news of the passing of His Majesty, Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV.
For forty four monumental years, His Majesty stood as the fierce custodian of Ngoni culture and a magnificent pillar of Zambia’s diverse heritage.
His ascension to the throne in 1982 marked the beginning of an era defined by cultural preservation, leadership, and peace.
His departure now leaves a vast, irreplaceable void in the very fabric of our nation.
Beyond his public stature, I carry a deeply personal gratitude for the moments our paths crossed.
I vividly recall the absolute honour of interacting with His Majesty during his memorable visits to the Zambia Army Apollo Officers’ Mess while I was stationed in Chipata.
In those moments, away from the strictures of royal protocol, the true magnitude of his character shone brightest.
His profound wisdom, genuine humility, and radiating warmth left an indelible mark on my soul that time can never erase.
I remember with great clarity the passions he shared with me during our conversations. He talked about his life as a young man working in Livingstone.
He was a champion of national unity. His Majesty King David Njengembaso Kakhuzwayo Jere possessed a rare and deep understanding of the cultural heritage and backgrounds of all peoples across Zambia’s regions.
In a beautiful demonstration of this inclusive spirit, he insisted on speaking to me in Lozi, a language in which he was fully conversant. He truly embodied the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto.
His Majesty was a visionary for the land. He spoke with immense foresight about his desire to pursue farming on a larger, more impactful scale, always thinking of sustainable ways to develop the land and feed his people.
With unwavering devotion to faith, he expressed his deep, lifelong love for the Catholic faith, which anchored his values and guided his decisions.
The King had ultimate humility; despite his immense earthly power as Inkosi ya Makhosi, he spoke with the beautiful humility of a king who knew he was ultimately subject to God Almighty.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni believed that true leadership is forged in the crucible of adaptation and service.
While the Zambia Army officers and soldiers and the missionary walk seemingly parallel paths, both journeys serve as masterclasses in human resilience, cross cultural mastery, and community transformation.
He said, from tactical deployments to grassroots service, these distinct vocations cultivate individuals capable of thriving in any environment on earth.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni understood that the core of both military and missionary life is the ultimate test of adaptability.
He came to understand that army personnel deploying on local and global peacekeeping missions step into complex, unpredictable landscapes.
Similarly, missionaries enter remote territories to build communities from the ground up. Both must quickly decipher foreign customs, break through language barriers, and build deep trust with local populations.
This immersive experience eliminates cultural blind spots, replacing them with a sophisticated, global perspective that cannot be taught in a traditional classroom.
In this dark hour of grief, my thoughts and earnest prayers are with the Ngoni Royal Establishment, the bereaved family, and the entire nation mourning this monumental loss.
We have lost a father, a leader, and a visionary.
May the Great King rest in eternal, heavenly peace.