Mpezeni Links Culture to Environment

The traditional leader calls for collective efforts to safeguard culture and environment, highlighting climate change and deforestation concerns.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (28-02-2026) – Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni-speaking people has linked cultural preservation to environmental protection, calling for collective efforts from cooperating partners to safeguard both heritage and natural resources in his chiefdom.

The traditional leader made the remarks during a tree-planting exercise held as part of this year’s in Eastern Province, where (FNB) Foundation donated and planted more than 300 tree seedlings.

Chief Mpezeni said development in his chiefdom cannot be fully realised without the support of cooperating partners, especially in programmes aimed at preserving culture and protecting the environment.

Speaking during the handover of the seedlings, the chief described the gesture as symbolic of the Ngoni people’s deep relationship with the land and the natural world.

“The soil feeds our people, the trees provide us with shelter, and the rivers sustain our livelihoods. Today’s handover is a symbol of growth, resilience, and our shared responsibility to future generations,” he said.

He stressed that the trees represent more than seedlings, but life, continuity and environmental responsibility at a time when communities across the country are facing the adverse effects of climate change, deforestation and environmental degradation.

The chief noted that cultural ceremonies such as Ncwala are closely tied to the land, adding that protecting the environment is essential to sustaining traditional values and customs.

FNB Foundation Trustee Happy Nyasulu said the bank remains committed to supporting cultural preservation and environmental sustainability through its corporate social responsibility programmes.

Mr Nyasulu disclosed that the foundation has also invested K340,000 in early childhood development education in the chiefdom through the refurbishment of infrastructure and the purchase of stationery for Kafoteka, Chifunge and Walila primary schools.

He added that environmental protection remains a key priority for the foundation, with more than 300 trees planted during the ceremony as part of efforts to combat deforestation and promote ecological balance in the area.