By KAPALA CHISUNKA
ULULATION, song and dance characterised the weekend thanksgiving mass held for Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II for being elected the first female Chairperson of the House of Chiefs.
Speaking at the mass at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Chongwe on Saturday, Father Gabriel Mwanamwalye said the Catholic Church is confident that Chieftainess Nkomeshya will execute duties diligently.
The position has been a preserve of men for many years.
“We thank God for the life of Chieftainess Nkomeshya who has been elected Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, a position which has been held by men for more than 40 years.
“We are proud that the first woman to take up the position is from Chongwe and we are confident that you will be able to execute your responsibilities well,” Fr Mwanamwalye said.
He urged the traditional leader to be courageous as her new position is challenging, especially that she will be dealing with men whose traditional views might not necessarily make it easy for her to lead them.
Fr Mwanamwalye however said the confidence traditional leaders have shown in Chieftainess Nkomeshya is a clear indication that she is a hard worker.
“In Chongwe, we are aware that you are a hardworking and committed Christian, values we know you will take with you as you address issues affecting the various chiefdoms in Zambia,” Fr Mwanamwalye said.
And in a vote of thanks, Chieftainess Nkomeshya pledged to work with all Zambians in addressing issues facing chiefdoms in Zambia.
“I know that I cannot carry out my duty as Chairperson of the House of Chiefs without your support and prayers because it is a challenging position,” she said.
The ceremony was also attended by Chiefs Chipepo, Mphuka and Chieftainess Chiawa as well as officials from the provincial administration and district commissioners from Kafue, Luangwa and Chongwe.
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