Preparations for this year’s Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony have intensified as the Ngoni people gear up for the annual event in Eastern Province.

Some members of the organising committee have already travelled to Lusaka to attend the N’cwala Gala Dinner, while others to Nakonde ahead of the commemoration of King Zwangendaba, scheduled for February 18, 2026.

A check at Mtenguleni by a ZANIS news crew found heightened preparatory activities, with traders setting up makeshift stalls in readiness for business during the ceremony.

Some members of the Nc’wala organising committee were also seen painting and preparing the Mtenguleni main arena.

ZANIS reports that N’cwala Ceremony Organising Committee Secretary, Adamson Sakala, confirmed that preparations are progressing well.

Mr Sakala disclosed that four Impis from each chiefdom are expected to travel to Nakonde to accompany Paramount Chief Mpezeni for the memorial service of King Zwangendaba.

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, was among officials who inspected the preparations at the main arena today.

Mr Thole said electricity will be installed at the arena four days before the main event adding that water supply and taps will also be set up at the venue.

He further stated that road maintenance and rehabilitation works have been completed in most parts, with remaining works expected to be finalised before the ceremony.

And Chief Maguya has expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far but has urged villages responsible for supplying cattle to ensure the animals are delivered ahead of the main ceremony to guarantee adequate food supplies.