Paramount Chief Mpezeni
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Inyandezulu Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni KaZwangendaba is the King of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province, East Africa and Malawi's Mchinji district.
Title controversy
He is from the lineage of Prince Jele KaMfeka of the Ncwangeni Nguni family. His mother was Queen Soseya Nxumalo of the Ndwandwe royal house. Both his mother and her elder sister, Queen Loziwawa, were nieces of King Zwide.
His birthright title is Inkosi Yamakhosi[1] or Inyandezulu. The title of 'Paramount Chief' was introduced on the Ngoni Nation after 1898 following the defeat of the Ngonis in their war with the British. King Njengambaso KaPontino has been the monarch of the Mphezeni. He is a great great grandson of the first Mphezeni since 1981. His mother was Ndlunkulu Tilekane from the Nzima clan. She came from Nyalongo village in the area of iNkosi Maguya.
Inyandezulu Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni KaZwangendaba has Amakhosi who serve under him. These are grouped according to Izigodi (in Zambia they use the term 'Chibaya').
Prince Gumbi Kaziguda Jele argued that this title is foreign and demeaning as compared to Inkosi Yamakhosi or King.
Most awakened Ngonis have rejected the title 'Paramount Chief', noting that foreign laws cannot supersede Ngoni customs and laws. More and more Ngonis are calling on the Zambian Government to replace it with Inkosi Yamakhosi.
