CULTURAL GROUPS DRAW THE LINE ON MAKISHI

Traditional associations warn of decisive action after Likishi is filmed fighting in Livingstone

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — 1 October 2026 — The five cultural associations representing traditional leaders and communities that practise Mukanda and Makishi have drawn the line on what they describe as the continued abuse of the sacred tradition in Livingstone.

The associations have warned that decisive action will be taken after a video circulated on social media showing a Likishi involved in a physical fight in one of Livingstone’s compounds.

Prince Brian Kambeu told journalists at a media briefing that the incident was among several cases of what the cultural associations consider abuse of Mukanda and Makishi, despite previous efforts by traditional leaders and the associations to stop the practice.

Kambeu said physical confrontation was not part of Makishi culture and described the latest incident as an abomination that should not be allowed to continue.

He said the associations had previously worked with tourism stakeholders, Their Royal Highnesses from North-Western Province and communities that practise Makishi to address the abuse of the tradition, including in Livingstone.

According to Kambeu, part of the problem is that some people taking part in Makishi performances in Livingstone do not come from communities that traditionally practise the culture and therefore may not understand its rules.

He said this had resulted in inappropriate performances and the use of songs that are not permitted within the tradition.

Kambeu explained that Makishi have a spiritual significance and are traditionally associated with the graveyard, from where they emerge during traditional ceremonies.

He said traditional Makishi do not ordinarily walk around compounds talking to people, adding that there are established rules governing who can approach, follow or dance with them.

“Not everyone can just join the performance,” Kambeu said, explaining that young people who have not been taught the tradition should not take part in the dances.

He said traditional cultural associations have systems for dealing with abuse of Makishi and would not sit back while the practice continued to undermine the dignity of the culture.

The five associations involved are Likumbi Lya Mize Cultural Association, Chivucka Cultural Association, Chota Cha Chokwe Cultural Association, Mbunda Royal Council and Lunda Cultural Association.

Kambeu said the latest incident was particularly disturbing because the Likishi was filmed fighting in public, describing the development as taboo and an embarrassment to the communities that own and practise the tradition.

He said the incident was “the last straw that broke the camel’s back”.

Meanwhile, Chakwiza Kavombeka, Vice Chairperson of the Chota Cha Chikwe Association in North-Western Province, said the cultural associations were also concerned about what they described as growing disrespect for elderly people, including the Head of State.

Kavombeka said communities in North-Western Province were traditionally expected to respect elderly people and that this expectation extended to the President.

“As cultural associations from North-Western Province representing our chiefs and communities, we cannot allow this behaviour to continue,” he said.

Kavombeka urged people, particularly those from North-Western Province, to desist from using abusive language against elderly people and the President.

Gideon Kaumba, a representative of the Chivueka Cultural Association, appealed to Zambians across tribal and provincial lines to respect national leadership and uphold the country’s traditions and customs.

Kaumba said he was concerned about the use of social media by some young people to insult and demean national leaders.

He questioned what kind of values were being passed on to children when such language was used publicly, saying responsible citizenship should be built on respect for others and the country’s traditions.

Kambeu said the cultural institutions were particularly concerned about the use of local languages on social media to insult or demean the current leadership.

He said people who came across such conduct should report it through appropriate authorities.

Webby Kamangala, a representative of the Lunda Cultural Association, also called on people to desist from insulting the Head of State, saying the presidency was a position entrusted through elections.

Kamangala said the associations had followed social media discussions involving insults directed at the President with concern and appealed to people to respect the leaders declared by the relevant authorities.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia scheduled the 2026 general election for August 13, with presidential results to be declared after verification and receipt of results from constituencies.

Kamangala said North-Western Province also benefits from Government programmes, including the Constituency Development Fund, and urged people to focus on national development rather than insults.

The cultural associations said consultations were continuing among Their Royal Highnesses, Government and other stakeholders on how to address the continued abuse of Makishi.

Kambeu said the five associations would travel to Livingstone in the coming days and announce the action agreed upon after the consultations.

He said the associations would not stand by while the dignity of Mukanda and Makishi was undermined.