The Mzimba Heritage Association and the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust have defended the constitutional and historical basis of their traditional monarchies, saying their institutions are recognized through customary law and do not undermine the authority or unity of the Malawian state.

The two organizations, representing the institutional and cultural secretariats supporting Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V of the Zwengandaba Jele Ngonis and Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani V of the Maseko Ngonis, issued the statement in response to remarks made by the Secretary for Local Government on September 7.

They said Section 200 of the Constitution incorporates customary law into Malawi’s legal framework, provided that it does not conflict with the Constitution or statutory enactments.

The organizations further cited Section 4 of the Chiefs Act, Chapter 22:03, which they said affirms entitlement to traditional offices derived directly from applicable customary law.

According to the statement, the Maseko Ngoni Kingdom consolidated its authority in central and southern Malawi around 1867-1870 under leaders Chidiaonga and Inkosi Tshikusi, while the Zwengandaba Jele Ngoni Kingdom was established in Mzimba following the Ngoni migrations from southern Africa.

The statement says the Zwengandaba Jele Ngoni Kingdom remained autonomous under colonial administration until October 24, 1904, when Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa signed a diplomatic treaty with Governor Sir Alfred Sharpe that brought it under protectorate administration in exchange for indirect rule and local fiscal autonomy.

The two bodies said that, under the customary law of both nations, the sovereign leader holds the rank of Inkosi Ya Makhosi, or King, and occupies a position traditionally superior to chiefs within the respective royal hierarchies.

They said the traditional monarchies have maintained working relationships with successive Malawi governments, including the administration of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, while arguing that the use of the titles “King” and “Ngwenyama” reflects historical and customary status.

The organizations also pointed to traditional monarchies in South Africa, Uganda and Ghana as examples of systems operating within constitutional republics without compromising territorial integrity, governance or national unity.

They nevertheless stressed that traditional governance must be based on order, historical accuracy and verifiable customary law, while rejecting claims to kingdoms or kingships that lack historical or customary foundations.