THE 2025 Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony will go down in history as the day Chief Monze’s Palace officially opened its grand doors, after President Hakainde Hichilema fulfilled his promise to build a modern home for the traditional leader.
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The infrastructure, constructed by the Zambia Correctional Service using resources from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, has been officially commissioned.
Though President Hichilema could not personally attend, he delegated Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma to cut the ribbon and hand over the impressive structure, which also boasts a conference hall and two retainers’ houses, all built at a cost of K4.1 million.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony attended by hundreds of people who gathered to celebrate both their harvest and heritage, Lufuma described the traditional ceremony as an important event that not only guides farmers on rainfall patterns but also promotes the transmission of cultural values from generation to generation.
He said the government would continue to use CDF and other initiatives to foster development, stressing that no region would be left behind.
“Government shall continue to support the welfare of the traditional leaders across the country. Since assuming office, government promises to ensure that all traditional leaders were fully accommodated with descent houses built at the place of their choice,” Lifuma said.
Meanwhile, Monze Central Member of Parliament and Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for fulfilling his commitment, stating that the palace has brought pride and dignity to Chief Monze and the people of the area.
“Mr President you promised the people that come next Lwiindi celebration, there will be a new place for Chief Monze and today we are commissioning the palace. We say thank you,” Mwiimbu said.
During the event, Chief Monze, through his representative Alphonsius Hamachila, thanked President Hichilema for building the palace within the promised timeframe.
Chief Monze also expressed appreciation for government’s efforts in responding to last season’s severe drought, which he described as the worst he has witnessed in his 94 years of life.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 9, 2025
