Barotseland Development Forum

Welcome to the Barotseland Development Forum. The objective of this on-line forum is to discuss and share ideas and information on the theme of social and economic development for the people of Barotseland, Western Zambia as well as the conservation of its unique physical environment. One of the projects that Barotseland.net is keen to initiate and/or be involved with is the creation of a "local knowledge bank" comprising information and knowledge gained by the people of the old kingdom of Barotseland, including in areas such as agriculture, care of the physical environment, healthcare, craft and other productive skills, political and economic organisation, language and other communicative skills but the overall aim is positive socio-economic 'development'.

If you possess any of such knowledge and information and are prepared to share it with others, we would like to hear from you. The knowledge bank will be situated at the Nayuma Museum and Cultural Centre, Limulunga. Your entry will be posted to the discussion board so long as there is no overt political message. Barotseland.net has no political affiliations and identifies only with social, scientific, economic, cultural and development issues. Your must provide a return e-mail address with your submission, however this will not appear online unless you instruct us otherwise, to avoid unwanted SPAM and other types of mail but your name will still be posted.

Currently (23 August 2013) we are unable to accept new submissions but hope to be able to do so in the near future

Name:Moderator
Date: 23-08-2013
Comments: We have been offline for more than a year now and are renamed Barotseland.net after our .com site was usurped. We look forward to new submissions and will be re-organisaing the forum soon to filter by themes. Thanks for your patience. We do understand it will take a while to get things moving again.
Name:David Sililo Whitehead Toho ye Sweu
Date: 23-04-2012
Comments: Message for YUYI LIBAKENI - I can't reach you by e-mail via your son Mark, so I will attempt to speak to you via this forum. Dear Bo Ndate Yuyi, Ni tumezi ahulu sha. I was so pleased to get your message, years ago, telling me that my father had advanced credit of ± £30 to your Grand father Yuyi W Mupatu of Makapulwa school to help start a trading store on the Luyi River near Senanga. I hope you don’t mind but I wish to quote what you said in a book I am writing about RFSutherland and my father who ran barges from Katambora to Mongu, Kalabo and Balovale. Is that OK? Yes – I knew Jonathan Lichilana and Lishomwa Muuka + Mala his wife when I was lecturing at UCRN in 1961-64. I lost touch completely with Lishomwa; Mala when they left Lusaka. I had stayed with them when I was on my way by road to Malawi in 1986. I am meeting Hugh Macmillan next week. I shall show him your message.
Heather Chalcraft of Lowdown I haven’t met but I am in comms with Gill Staden and Clare Mateke in Livingstone.
I hope you can send me the notes you were compiling on the installation of the Litunga.
I have thought I might ask Lubosi II, the present Litunga, to write a Preface for my book. Through the kindness of David MOIR (of Likaka lodge) proceeds from sale of the book will go towards building a school on the river 20-25 km from Katima Mulilo.
My best wishes to ALL your extended family. Mu siyale fo Mulena
Sililo Toho ye Sweu.
17 Jamaica drive, Capri, Sunnydale, 7975, S Africa
Name:Ndate Njekwa wa Akebu
Date: 20-04-2012
Comments: Its suprising how strangers are distorting our history and culture we in barotseland have lived side by side and as brothers for centuries with those that come from distant lands. We are indeed now one though they are trying hard to even call what in LUYANA ATE CLANS AS TRIBES,let me just make it clear here the lozis called them selves by diffirent names for due to various circumstances iam suprised that even those with the knowledge of our tradition have not clarifierd this for example iam KWANDI SO IS THE ROYAL HOUSE HOLD but did you know that KWANDI,KWANGWA,NYENGO,MBOWE ETC are not tribes but clans??IF i live in the plan iam KWANDI(AKWA NDI(FISH)if i go and live in the high land kwa mushitu i will be KWANGWA(UKUKANGWA TO FAIL)I HAVE FAILED TO LIVE WHERE THE LOZIS ARE in short i can be called by a diffirent name from the members of my own farmily who are in the plain etc.So lets not distort history!!muyoye aluyi.
Name:Mando Kaluwe
Date: 19-04-2012
Comments: Kwa bana ba poho ye nsu living in Diaspora. Barotseland needs you. If you feel like being a part of Barotseland where ever you are, please get in touch with me at: kefyeta3@msn.com. We need to talk. Pass the word on. Nokushimba!!!
Name:Keith Akataama Nalumango
Date: 16-04-2012
Comments: As for me, I offer my expertise in legislative procedure, public broadcasting and civil society management to Barotseland.
Name:David Whitehead
Date: 04-04-2012
Comments: In 1913-14, James Soanes Campbell (makwengula) was asked by King Lewanika to dig a canal around the Ngonye Falls. The project was never completed probably because it was interrupted by WWI. The 4 mile-long channel that was excavated with dynamite can still be clearly seen today from the air, say via Google Earth. I propose asking the Litunga to consider restoring and renaming this channel LEWANIKA'S CANAL in honour and memory of the greatest Lozi King who ever lived. Likewise the new bridge crossing the river at Maziba bay could be named the LEBOSI BRIDGE. What do readers think? When the new all-weather road is completed, tourist traffic will increase and Bulozi will be in the spotlight as never before. N.B. King Lewanika was responsible for excavating the many canals crossing Lebala ya Bulozi - see Figure 11 in "The Hidden Hippopotamus" by Prof Gwyn Prins.
Name:Mulenga Chitangala
Date: 30-03-2012
Comments: before I found someone to marry, my dad told me never to marry Lozi nor Tonga woman, for reasons known to himself. However, I fell in Lozi with this sexy well behaved Lozi girl and when i told dad about it, he just said 'i can tell you that in each tribe, there are good people and bad ones, you are lucky to have found a good Lozi girl'. whatever his reasons were, i dont care because I am joined with the most wonderful family, the nicest father in law and a group of very Loving Lozi inlaws. Should the secession succeed, well i will stick to my wife wherever we will be staying. One thing I know about Western Province is that the taste those fishes, rice and how easy it would be to build given the sand. But that aside, a lay man's eye can tell that under those sands, lies gold and oil and we just need to tap it. That those tasty mangoes need to be processed into juices and dry mangoes. who can do this for the province? Politicians? Litunga? or ourselves? ! or China, japan or USA? we can do this if we work together
Name:Akatama Ntumwa
Date: 30-03-2012
Comments: I am more than delighted, to have discovered this enlightening and vigorous website. Having lived in UK for over 40 years, I feel that it is about time I looked back to my homeland, where my family and friends live. It is delightful to learn about ones History, and I am doing that now, to educate myself of what Barotseland means, and how our Kingdom was born.And with the impending conflict about the 1964 Agreement and what has gone on thereafter, these are issues we need to look into and get them resolved as soon as it is practically possible.However, while this Barotseland question remains to be resolved, this is no execuse for stopping us developing Barotseland. I am very keen to play my part in this aspect, and I sincerely hope that my connections here in UK and Europe in general will help a great deal.I have read some interesting emails relating to Projects we can begin to start tackling, and I go along many of the proposals put forward.I am hoping to visit Zambia this y! ear to prepare myself for returning home permanetly in a few years time, and anyone who would like to keep in touch with me, is welcome. I would like to meet and talk to as many people as possible, during my visit to Zambia. I will keep looking at this website regularly, to update myself of what is happening in Barotseland in particular, and Zambia generally.Please keep in touch whenever you can!The Barotse people have many attributes. We are brave (from past history), honest and hard-working.Our constant diet of fish makes us intelligent and resourceful.
Name:Moderator
Date: 28-03-2012
Comments: Gerald Caplan's Elites of Barotseland is fairly easy to get hold of at a reasonable price in the US and UK, by contrast, Gervas Clay's Your Friend Lewanika is much harder to obtain, with very few copies still in circulation and fetching very high prices. Really, these books need republishing in paperback so that a wider audience can access these works. BTW, my book - Historical Constructions of Postcolonial Citizenship and Subjectivity: the Case of the Lozi Peoples of Southern Central Africa - which Bo Libingi quotes from selectively below, is available from LAP Publishing, Germany ISBN 978-3-8433-6703-5 altho the price is around 79 Euros unfortunately.
Name:Matakalo Pumulo
Date: 28-03-2012
Comments: Impressed, at long last we have a platform, to share the hidden truths and rich knowledge about our beloved state of Barotseland. My suggestion to you is consider publishing books that were banned by Kaunda on Barotse history, such books as: Your Friend Lewanika"andThe elites of Barotseland, to mention a few. This will stop other people from stifling the truth.
Name:Patrick Wakungoli
Date: 17-03-2012
Comments: All oil prospecting has neglected to visit lake Nalusa near Lealui but - every one around knows that as the level in it goes low the surface is covered in a thin film of a parafin like substance that makes it impossible to drink water from this lake say in september to November. I suggest drilling a 400m hole at the end of the lake known as Libitwa. How much can such a hole cost?
Name:Ndandula Libingi
Date: 16-03-2012
Comments: KOLA HISTORY NARATION WITH A MISSING LINK www.chekechambunda.org/News18.htm
Reading a concoction of the Luyi/Lozi History posted on www.barotseland.com/earlyhistory.pdf, the piece of fairytale stories make an interesting and disappointing account held as history today by scholars of history. It reveals a lost generation, caused by missionaries and colonial masters with intent to black out a missing link and blasphemy. Mbunda history www.chekechambunda.org/Mbunda Origin.htm, is elaborate and a missing link in all these stories. Check Lunda Kingdom and Traditional polities
1) 1500, Ruund (Luunda) state founded.
2) A Luba hunter Chibinda Ilunga married not “Lueji, the granddaughter of a minor Lunda Chief and later became the Mwata Yamvo” , but Queen Yamvu, alas, “a princess from an area to the south. Their son became the first paramount ruler of the Luunda creating the title of Mwanta Yaav” as recorded at www.barotseland.com/earlyhistory.pdf, and dropped the title “Naweeji”.
3) 1690, the ruler adopts the style Mwaant Yaav (Mwaanta Yaava).
4) “It seems that Kinguri and Chinyama, brothers of Lueji, were not satisfied with the alien leadership of Chibinda and left to form new areas of influence elsewhere”. Other school of thought show that, they were dead scared of the possibility that, Nkonde the warrior brother of princesses Yamvu’s coming back.
5) “According to Oliver and Atmore, Chinyama is credited as having gone to the Zambezi valley”. Other school of thought show that, when Chinyama reached Luena in Angola now, he received reports that Mbundas have passed through and trekked south. He therefore decided to go eastwards to avoid confrontation with Nkonde’s people, the Mbundas.
6) “Creation myths” “According to some Lozi myths and legends, the Lozi God, Nyambe (literally ‘no speaking’ or ‘one who does not speak’), was living in the Libonda area with his wife, Nasilele (‘one associated with long things’), and mother, Ngula”. This is not myths but blasphemy.
7) The complete silence of the writers off course with censorship from the Lozi Kings, on the Aluyi/Mbunda interaction on the Makololo War in 1830 and establishment of Sikufele Chieftainship at Lukwakwa, now in Manyinga, Kalabo district is a deliberate move to wipe out the Mbunda History, just like the Missionaries and colonialists did in Kola. Mbundas are reported negatively to have been in conflict with Aluyi as follows:
i) “In much of the tradition on Mboo, mention is also made of the ‘Andonyi’, an enemy that came from the west that proved a formidable foe. The notion of enemies and bad witchcraft emanating from the west was to become a recurring theme during this era. The Andonyi, with whom the Luyi must have clearly been in some sort of attritive conflict, now started to be seized by fever and this rendered them powerless permitting the Luyi to kill them in large numbers. Thus the Andonyi were repulsed from the Luyi homeland although they retreated only as far as the western boundary of the flood plain, where the Lukona forest begins from where they continued to harass all those who passed through. It is suggested here that the Andonyi might well have been the Mbunda who were to share much of Luyi/Lozi history in the ensuing years, indeed, right up to the present day. Meanwhile all peoples from the west were termed Wiko or Mawiko, a term (sometimes used depracatingly) in use up to the present day as far east as Kaonde”.
56 A. Jalla, Silozi-English Dictionary [Revised and Enlarged] (United Church of Zambia, Lusaka, 1982), p. 224. 57 Interview with Buxton Simasiku (Induna Amulimukwa), Mwandi, 01-09-2001 58 Interview with Wakunuma Wakunuma, Headmaster of Libonda Basic School, 14 to 16-08-2001 59 A.D. Jalla History, Traditions and Legends of the Barotse Nation, translated copy of original Sikololo manuscript located in document archive of the Institute of Economic and Social Research (INESOR [old Rhodes-Livingstone Institute]), Lusaka, dated 1909, p. 1 60 Ibid. 61 The original Ikatulamwa was washed away but another village of the same name now also stands on the banks of the Zambezi to the west of the original. 62 Jalla, History, Traditions and Legends…, p. 5. 63 M. Mainga, ‘Origin of the Lozi: some oral traditions’ in Eric Stokes and Richard Brown (eds.), The Zambesian Past: Studies in Central African History (Manchester University Press, Manchester, 1966), p. 244.
Mbunda History clearly shows that Mbundas have never taken war to anyone. The tribe spoken of here could have been the Mbukushus who were repulsed from Barotseland and most of them are now in Namibia. Otherwise, how can this be explained?: “Mwanambinje (who was endowed with great powers of magic) is credited with having been the first Luyi/Lozi leader to subdue peoples south of Bulozi including the Mbukushu on the right bank of the Zambezi in what became Caprivi, who were apparently fracturing under the stress of succession disputes. It is from these succession disputes that the Subia are said by the Lozi to have emerged. Mwanambinje, but took this further by extending the lands under Luyi influence beyond the Victoria Falls and up to Hwange in present-day Zimbabwe. Returning from the Falls, Ngombala then sailed up the Kwando, subduing peoples such as the Yeyi, and Mbukushu, posting sentinels on the way and finally making allegiances with the Mbunda in present day south-eastern Angola, offering them hospitality in Bulozi should they ever need it before re-entering the Bulozi plain from the west. The great Litunga Mulambwa is revered by in Lozi history, not least by the Mbunda who dwell in Barotseland alongside the Lozi. It was Mulambwa who welcomed two branches of the Mbunda to move to the kingdom after they left their homeland beyond the Kwando River to the west, honouring the offer first made by Ngombala. A section of the Mbunda peoples, sometimes known as the ‘Old Mbunda’ have lived in Bulozi ever since and their two chiefs, Kandala and Ciengele, hold high office in the Lealui Kuta paying regular homage to the Litunga although, while there are Mbunda ndunas, there are few opportunities for Mbunda progression in the traditional establishment”.
ii). “The first barge, called Njonjola, was constructed of local reeds called Mefalingi, which were sewn together using Makenge roots and fibres. Locally available bitumen-like glue called Lingongwe(made from the bark of certain trees) was then used to seal the holes. The other school of thought say, the first Nalikwanda was constructed by the Mbunda out of makenge roots and called "Njonjola";. Think about it, where did the Luyi, people of the valley find Lingongwe (glue from tree backs)? What language name is “Lingongwe”? Is it not Mbunda? iii). “This did not stop at least two sons from being spirited away, however, and when Ngalama died, one of these, Yeta Nalute, was appointed Litunga but he turned out to be very unpopular due to his penchant for eating human flesh. This is interpreted as a habit picked up while in exile with the Mbunda to the west (Wiko), where all bad things were said to emanate from”.
75 Mwanambinje had attempted to share these with Ngalama who became his son-in-law through marriage to the former’s daughter, Notulu not be satisfied with only one of these symbolically powerful drums, closely associated with the ability to bring rain which Mbukushu chiefs were believed to be endowed with since earliest known times and so turned on his father-in-law. 76 Interviews with Chief Sikwa and his people, Nambinje, 21-07-2001.
Therefore for the history of our friends from “Kola” to be elaborate like the Mbunda History, the missing link “the Mbunda History” should be included, otherwise it will remain a jargon with a lot of speculations and contradictions.
Ndandula Libingi.
National Chairman
Name:Mfula Simon
Date: 03-03-2012
Comments: You guys are united.Here lies wise thoughst about our mother land.I look foward to see this kind of discussion and vision implimented in our Northern Province which i m told is least developed province heheh
Name:Akakulubelwa Malumo
Date: 27-02-2012
Comments: Visiting the site for the first time and have enjoyed reading all your postings. Allow me to ask, where are we now with these big ideas? I am convinced many people would really want to join any developmental assocaiation of this nature for our motherland.
Name:David Toho ye Sweu
Date: 23-01-2012
Comments: Greetings to Lawrence and ALL the Lozi people far and wide. I have been reading Prof Gwyn Prins' book: The Hidden Hippopotamus; searching for info about the canals in Bulozi. I have learned that in 1890 Litunga Lewanika inspired the Makolo regiments to excavate the Sikalonga canal to link Lealui to the river and in 1891 they dug the Mwayowamo channel to Limulunga. Thereafter, in 1892-4 they built drainage canals from Lake Siwa and Kande all the way via Limulunga and Mongu to Sefula which brought into production new gardens on the sishanjo soils thus liberated to grow crops. What a phenomenal, ambitious undertaking engineered by hand well over 100 years ago!! Most of these gardens are not available now as the system, even in my Katongo days, had fallen into disuse. My plea is that the Dept of Agriculture should look into re-establishing the channels mechanically to drain waterlogged soils ready for planting crops. Although a lot of the land may now be privately owned, surely the Litunga still has the power to push for private enterprise to join him in following up on King Lewanika's initiative? What do members of the Forum think? Is it practical?
Name:Maketo Mubyana
Date: 10-01-2012
Comments: Dear Barotse Nationals, Compliments of the Season and Happy 2012. As we await the opening of the University of Barotseland, hopefully June this year, I encourage you all to support the efforts of the steering committee (of the only University to open doors on Barotseland Soils in Mongu). I agree with all of you that, action speaks lauder than words, thus we must work towards the common goal (Barotseland Development). Many of us are professionals of various fields and we would do well to join hands and push for projects in those fields. Having Task Forces or Steering Committees in Education, Health, Agriculture etc, would help. Land is an issue but let us request the authorities to open it up for development. I am sure the BRE has always supported development projects and allocated land to such progressive ideas. Pastor Kaluwe in the USA is also one notable figure who has gone out in full support of development projects and would be more than happy to support such projects, especially those aimed at poverty alleviation. Those of you that visit Barotseland Peace Foundation website will agree with me. I am also learning that, so far we have two registered companies dealing with cashew nuts in Barotseland and one of them has sourced funding. Can we keep a watchdog eye and support thir efforts, even by buying their products. Believe you me; while some are talking, others are doing.
Name:Akufuna Lubasi
Date: 24-12-2011
Comments: I am pleased to have found this website, it's very educative for all that need to know the truth about Barotseland and the agreement. I would like to urge you (Barotseland.com) to create social network pages for this website on sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc if you have not yet done so. Otherwise, this is a great tool to help the helpless send out the opinions. Thanks and Kozo
Name:Godwin Kaluwe
Date: 28-12-2011
Comments: First of all I would like to thank my good friend Honorable Flint, for creating a forum where we can discuss ideas concerning development in Barotseland. Those who have more than development to discuss are welcome. subscribe free to "Nokushimba" on www.barotselandpeacefoundation.org and exercise your freedom of speech.
Secondly, the University of Barotseland UBL is under construction at Namushakende munzi wa zwelopili. This is not a government institution, it is a privately owned public school, and everyone is welcome to buy shares and own a potion of it. Those who are interested please contact me and I will direct you to the appropriate cordinators based on the ground in Mongu and Lusaka. First of all I would like to thank my good friend Honorable Flint, for creating a forum where we can discuss ideas concerning development in Barotseland. Those who have more than development to discuss are welcome. subscribe free to "Nokushimba" on www.barotselandpeacefoundation.org and exercise your freedom of speech.
Secondly, the University of Barotseland UBL is under construction at Namushakende munzi wa zwelopili. This is not a government institution, it is a privately owned public school, and everyone is welcome to buy shares and own a potion of it. Those who are interested please contact me and I will direct you to the appropriate cordinators based on the ground in Mongu and Lusaka. kefyeta3@msn.com
Name:Mukanwa Muleka
Date: 24-12-2011
Comments: Thank you Barotseland.com for allowing sons and daugters of Barotse people to air views meant to enlighten and furnish the world about the lost glory in this part of the country called Zambia in south central Africa.Barotseland has a long history that brought about the birth of present Zambia.What is important about this part of the country Zambia is the slow progress inin developement brought about by the inequitable distribution of the economy by the central government and some of the indigenous elite of the so called freedom fighters whoat the time of gaining independencein 1964 misled King Lewanika to get into agreement which was never recognised by the New Zambian government.It is for that reason why Barotseland is under- developed.In terms of education facilities there are very few tertiary insistitutions of learning. Government has literary not considered it necessary for the people of western to have equal oppotunity with other provinces in Zambia. A! part from Mongu and Kaoma Trades Training Institute built by government and Mongu Catholic College of education(Run by Catholics),there is one private teacher Training College, Lyambai College of education. We donot have a university where we could train our youth who are just allover on the street without jobs. A number of them flock to towns along the line of rail in search of jobs but only end up in Mazabuka(Nakambala) as cane cutters. One wonders whether this will continue on and for how long shall last on. My advice to the people of Barotseland is that they are the people who should develop this area themselves if the province is to achieve prosperity.We should not wait for other people to come from anywhere but we the owners of this land.Our forefathers gave us a King(Litunga Liwanyika Mafuchi) and must thrive and develop it.Some of us are blessed and we have lived in Bulozi and know a lot of Natural Resources lying iddle without being Tapped. We have Diamond through out the plains of Barotse.We are rich in water resource and Forests in Bulozi.In some areas even without the knowledge of minerals deposits such as oil Barotse is rich in this rare commodity.I urge all those gallant men and women who feel that Barotseland can be developed even without quarelling with greedy people to come aboard and join hands together and work for our motherland Fasi labondataluna.The education which other provinces are currently enjoying was intiated at Lwatile in 1833. Why dont we think ! of puting up a structure that will signify the importance of that either by opening up a Private univesity and Name it as; Lwatile University
Name: Kalimbwe Kalimbwe
Date: 15-12-2011
Comments: All is said concerning development in western zambia and it can not be expressed more that this,otherwise its just repeatition!What is the action plan therefore, regarding development in western Zambia?
Ideas have been great , the following has to be made clear:
1.How can people start to open up business ventures as mentioned on this forum?
2.Where can they start from?
3.Who will guide , coach , mentor ,motivate etc.
4.What to start with first?
5.When to start?
Time is moving , nothing is done , years are passing by , eventually old age catches up and finally leave behind poverty to the next generation.
There is fear (Fear of failure)in starting up developmental ventures ,this fear needs to be removed through sensitisation,civic awareness,workshop/seminars etc.The question is who will do all this?And how?Just chatting on the internet will not help. Someone needs to go on the ground and help. We need proper business advisors/consultants and any other with business skills to give guidance.
The issue of land in western still remains an obstacle as well, this has to be resolved amicably and a solution should be found to ensure that there is enough reserved land for commercial farming and other development activities. Western is not a place where one can apply for land and he gets it just like that so easily as compared to other parts like the line of rail.Witout proper land tenure System in place it will be difficult to invest as the investment security is compromised.The land tenure system must accomodate both small scale and large scale enterprenures.For example if one wants to set up a rice farm in western particularly in Mongu,who grants the land,is it government or the chief? This has made even the local people to grow on just small fields (Matongo/Litongo), once they go beyond that(the litongo) they are either encroaching in someone's land or the chief's land, and this becomes a very big case. How then can they develop farms which require hecters of land? My proposal is that commercial land must be set aside for would be developers and enterprenures to set up Ranches,Farms, Shopping Malls etc as already mentioned on this forum.
Agriculture, Trade and Tourism must be encouraged as this is the backbone for any developing place.
Education is one area which is behind in western Zambia, the whole region has no college except one Education college in Mongu.This has made all young one to flock to the line of rail once they complete Grade 12 (Form 5)to further their careers in different disciplines,because not all would like to become teachers.Even if they all wanted to be teachers is the single college in Mongu adquate for all Grade 12 school leavers in the province?This has created 'brain drain' in western. The goverment has made it easy now that private colleges, universities and schools can be set up by those willing to build one.Western has not taken up this advantage despite having well to do and highly educated people from there.Colleges in Tourism ,Art & Culture , Agriculture and business studies are must be built to develop the local human resource in Western.This will empower them with knowledge and also as part of capacity building so that they can manage to develop the area.Currently , it is difficult for those in diaspora and along the line of rail to develop western as they are busy and comfortable where they are.This why there is a lot of ideas but no action because ideas are coming from those along the line of rail and in diaspora and expect the man in the village to take action.How many of those in western have access to internet and get to know these ideas?Ideas are being given to the majority who do not seem to understand the ideas very well.They need help! .Lets build the colleges for our children.
Faith without works is dead!
Ideas without actions is dead!
Name: Lawrence Flint (Moderator)
Date: 08-12-2011
Comments: Dear Readers, as is customary at this time of year, please let me wish everybody all good wishes for the approaching festive season, especially those of you fortunate to be located in our beloved Barotseland. As with previous messages, I must point out that a large number of contributions have been received that cannot be shown due to their overtly political nature. This has been particularly the case in 2011. I do hope that the authors of those contributions will understand why we cannot publicise such material. Barotseland.com is a registered organisation in the Republic of Zambia dedicated to economic development and should be seen in that context. It is supported by the Barotse Royal Establishment whose views and wishes have always been adhered to.
Name: Mukubesa Mamili
Date: 21-11-2011
Comments: Take note that there are huge deposits of diamond along the streatch from okavango region into Senanga, spreading across the whole barotse plain going as far as siluwe in kalabo up to Lukulu north entering Runda North in Angola. You can also find this unknown guge deposit of oil in "Lake Lyande"- (i dont how many barotse-landers know this area!) anyway, i will post detailed, though still top secret of the Geological map of Barotseland on this site! Also you will be shoked how much oil deposits we have in Liuwa.
Name: Simata Mwakamui
Date: 14-11-2011
Comments: I am so excited to come across this site. I was searching for an online Lozi-English dictiinary on Google when I came across this great site. I believe Western Province is a paradise. Its just a sleeping giant. My last visit to Mongu two years ago discovered 4 great things: The gold that grows-rice & cashewnuts, The gold from the rivers -Fish, the gold in the Forests-timber, the white sand, grass used for baroste thatch all in abundance in western province. All these things can earn the people of western province millions of dollars and poverty can be a thing of the past just in a 10 years period. I am told the fish, the rice, the mangoes and cashewnuts from western province are the tastiest in the world. The best way to end poverty in Western Province is to work on the mindset of the most productive labour force in western province - the youth. Instead of flocking to the line of rail and Nakambala sugar Estates, the youth of western province should believe in! themselves that they can be dollar millionaires by investing their energies in setting up rice farms, fishing companies, cashenut growing, Mango juice processing industries. All these do not need a lot of money to start. Please , do not wait for someone from Japan or China to do it for you. You can do it. You can start even by crashing the Mango fruit, extract the juice, add a preservative and clouring and then sell to others just like the way we sell maheu. What's the problem? The poverty of western province is only in the mindset. It is actually easier to become a dollar millionaire in Mongu than in Lusaka. Please, take up the challenge. It is also cheaper to built a mansion in Mongu than in Lusaka. Building sand and river sand is free in Mongu. Labour is also cheap. So why not build houses for rent? What's the problem? Is it the the poverty mindset? People of western province are the richest in Zambia. They just need to change their mindset. Do not even wait fro! those in the diaspora to sent you money. What you need is an idea and start the process.
Name: Lloyd Nsana
Date: 01-10-2011
Comments: Lee Malinga, am touched by your story. i may have not have much info about your tribe but am Tonga and love these Lozi chaps too much. My mother is from Zimbabwe though. I wish you could get in touch.
Name: Mwiya Nambeta
Date: 07-08-2011
Comments: Those that are really seriousl about the future of Barotseland do not have to air their views. Just travel and see the poverty for yourselves. I wish to state that Malozi intially seemed to be a wise people. I have my great doubts. You fail to focus your energies on whta matters. You intermarry and then wonder why you are becoming fewer abd fewere, and are risking extinction by 2050. You ran away from your homeland in search of better life, and never send back investment funds t you villages - and think something else will do it for you. You are a shame. I laud those who have struggled to remain home and do something even in the harsh environment they find themselves and their children in. I have no respect for those who blog issues away, and think they have contributed anything to the well being of Bulozi. Go and experience the hardship - then you will know what to do. What a shameful group of people and time wasters!!
Name: Charles Ndlovu
Date: 26-07-2011
Comments: I'm looking for my roots (I am based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) and I read one article written by Yuyi Libakeni (The Lowdown Zambia: May 2004) and in it was the name Sacika Yambwanamunji,now that name rings a bell as my father(79yrs) goes by the name of Dickson Sitali Yambwanamunji and we are told his grandfather's name was Sacika. My paternal grandfather's name was Edward and we are told that he moved to the then Southern Rhodesia in the late 1920s or early 1930s I know its a long shot but we've been looking for our relatives for a long time. If there is someone out there related to Yuyi K. Libakeni, please assist to link up with him so that I can pursue this issue further and link up with my people. Thanking you in advance for your help
Name: Kabulo Duncan
Date: 21-07-2011
Comments: I was touched when I first arrived in Mongu for the first time in my life in 2010 November. I have spent much time in RSA and Namibia. Seing the town of Mongu, there is huge business potential especially when the road to Kalabo and Sesheke Senanga is completed. I'm a development consultant but also involved in civil engineering and constrution. I'm appealing to my Lozi brothers and sisters please we must find time to meet and discuss these issues that we raise on this forum. For instance we need to form development corridors which can be managed on private and profit basis. First development coridor is the construction of wholesale and warhousing terminal at the boarder of Katima mulilo. I'm suggesting this because the safest route and harbour currently is Walvishbay in Namibia which is feeding Zambia, DRC Congo Brazavile and Zimbabwe. The harbours of Tanzania are becoming very unsafe because of the level of piracy in the Indian ocean, that is why many! traders are opting for this route. These warehouses can act as picking points for fast consumer goods from Asia via Walvishbay to Mongu. Similarly, with money generated from these warehouses or wholesale terminals, we can build shopping malls in Mongu. The other point deserving this development plan is Sikongo boader. The same warehousing can be constructed to facilitate exports to the rich provinces of Moxico and Lunda in Angola. The last point for warehousing or export terminals is Shangombo to facilitate exports to the towns of Rivhngu in Angola. Although some of us have the desire to develop the land of our mother, we are constrained by issues of land. If there is any one interested in these ideas and has means of securing business land please contact me on the email above or at newhorizonsbusinessconsultants@gmail.com Bana bahesu haluyemeni luzwiseze pili bulozi.
Name: Phadelani Moyo
Date: 17-07-2011
Comments: Please guys i would like to if i am true of Lozi origin. I was born in South Africa in the late 70s to a South African mother and a Zimbabwe father. My father's big brother always said we are the Balozi. He even used to speak in a language which i didnt understand especially when he's drunk. What does Moyo really mean in silozi/ At the moment we Sesotho sa Lebowa (that means the Sotho of the north, in south africa). any help guys
Name: Mukenda Like Mubiana
Date: 24-06-2011
Comments: My dear likalibe ni mitangana
There is one simple reason why our province can not develop. And i will tell you that reason; Our tradition has closed us in a caccon. We have failed to brand our tradition to attarct development at the same maintain respect for our Litunga. We put All our eggs in one basket that of the Litunga and remained with nothing to venture with outside the thinking box. Look at the Asian giants;they have used their culture t develop their countries. Why cant we do the same? We should open up our eyes and embrase change. We are good at talking ideas buttradition blocks us from finishing. Let us get out of the "pretence caccon" and get on the job. Let us start now. We have educated human resources. We can do it. Let us meet soon and help our precious Litunga to develop our Province. As i write this note, i am in the middle of completeing my Doctorate Thesis on how the Lozi people can position themselves to development. Let us do it.
Name: Induna Lnete
Date: 22-06-2011
Comments: The pipo of Barotseland are realy up for self determination. so we can administer our minerals bestowed to us by our Father in Heaven. We have diamonds, copper belt passes through Kalabo, Zinc, 7 lines diamonds...wat more countles...puzo kikuli kanti king'i alutuhela kukunupwa kimanyunyuku bo Banda? we are great pipo that can indeed govern themselves..lukane lumipuma mahutu min malozi baba lupaleliswa kupumeha particularly mina babacha nibona banda!!! lwanyanda amubone balutama ma 4 years with hardlabour is that fair? no..no..n. we are not happy until we granted our rights!!
Name: Lee Malinga
Date: 15-06-2011
Comments: Hi all. My name is lionel malinga and u was born in Zimbabwe. My grandfather was originally from Zambia. His name was Wilson Mate Malinga and he left Zambia in the late 1930s. My aunts say his middle name may have been matengo. He died when I was young and dindnt leave much in the form of oral tradition about where exactly in Zambia he came from. He spoke a language that i have personally never heard anyone else speak and we don't have any contacts with any of his siblings or relatives. I'm told he was Lozi. Could anyone shed any light as to wether the names Malinga, Mate or Matengo are Lozi names. I am really curious to know where I am originally from and where and who my people are. Any help would be greatly appretiated. Thanks
Name: Kalaluka Akalaluka Kangulu
Date: 15-06-2011
Comments: There is one thing I love about Zambians, Barotses inclusive. We love expressing our thoughts. We love talking! From 2005 when this brilliant page was opened, we have read about brilliant ideas and some have even confirmed they have money to invest. ACT NOW... zero. Stand up now... noto. Kono kwa ku kutaza mihupulo lu lifanu! If the brilliant brains that started this fprum have failed to actualize their dreams what about working together? Mind you moya o wa buitati u yabile Zambia mukatumbi. mani ni mani uicela pene ya hae. I have just found the site today but looking at the history, I am dissapointed. I have in the past joined developmental groups on internet to do with Barotseland... Ah the only success is I have learnt new words ni maloko etc. Amuyeme cwale mu beleke, noto, noto.. PLEASE LET US CHANGE THE ATTITUDE
Name: Mwitumwa Mununga
Date: 02-06-2011
Comments: Shangwe, Ye ki mihato ya niti. Halu kasheni cwale. fa Lozi page ya facebook, kutile maikuto a swana. Taba., ki ku tisa miakuto a kaufela hamoho. Conept ye iswanela cwale ku beiwa ka ma elemetns a yona. Ni structure ya yona. Ku ka tokwahala kuli lu ise taba ye mwa likiliti za bulozi, kuli kube ba yemeli kukala mwa likiliti mane konji Mongu. Governance ni ma pillars wona muhato wo a tokwahala ku shengiwa kuli silise muhato wo mane uyo wela likamba mwa buse. Halu kasheni, mandinda ateng'i kono luna ni bafuluhi ba ba talifile ahulu bati
Name: Malozi Felix Chingehzi
Date: 06-05-2011
Comments: It is a welcome initiative indeed. It will be interesting and good innovation to engineer a economic and social development agenda, devoid of matters of land, governance, and resource allcation issues! Or may be there is need to define what politics is, in the first, and to highlight matters of philosophical nature so as to set ground for matters of policy and Rules, and to announce the overall mission and vision of this project. There appears to be need for magnanimity and not to shy away from what is real.
Name: Mwedabai Muhali-Munyani
Date: 18-04-2011
Comments: Now that Kuomboka has been as it was this year (2011), people (Children of the Black Bull), is this the way we want it to be? Is this the way its going to be? Is this kuomboka for the rich and powerful? this is what you get when you involve politics in tradition. if this trend continues, this will be the end of our once upon a time beloved ceremony and politicians like it that way. Kufela kwa bulena mwabulozi!!!! Kimaswabisa shaa!! Mbuyuwamwambwa zuha uto bona mafosisa. Nifelize shaa.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
Date: 04-04-2011
Comments: Bo Muyangali, briliant suggestions and advice. I agree with you that, there is need for actions on the ground.
Name: Kagoli Muyangali (Secretary of Barotseland.com)
Date: 24-03-2011
Comments: Thanks for the contributions and to those that have commented on updating some pieces of information and pictures, it will be done.Kuomboka is very near we hope to do more. On matters of development the discussions of putting money together is vital so that we assist many of our people who are in need.
Area 1. Establishment of a 6x6x6m cold room just goes slightly above K350m; that can be done without waiting for govt. benefits: readily available fish and market with grow and value addition will be done,many local people will be involved at different levels.such a facility is multifunctional.I have all the necessary details.
Area 2. Livestocking marketing is still inadequate as livestock traders needs a variety of buyers.If people can put money together an abbatior can be established.
Area 3. Cashew is one area which needs attention,if people in Mozambique have made it with our influence in some cases, why cant we do it for ourselves.Let us learn more from Mozambiaque cashew industry.
Area 3. Irrigation can be venture into to produce a variety of crops,and in terms of market,that will be done before hand so that the crops produced will have already market.
Area 4. Fish farming is another venture which can ensure household food security,and can be managed by even youths and women. This is can be through cages fishing and semi-intensive back yard fish farming:rural and urban fish farming is possible.
In Tonga land we talk less and act more,lets do it here!!!! Mupone kabotu my cousins.
Name: Niiti Niiti
Date: 18-03-2011
Comments: My brothers and sisters, in as much as we all seem to have very good ideas aimed at bringing much needed development to our beloved Barotseland, we must realise that as long as we keep avoiding facing the real reason why there is lack of development in our beloved nation, these ideas are simply drops in the ocean. We all know why Barotseland is currently the poorest part of Zambia. We also know why none of our people will ever become president of Zambia. In addition to this, we also know why the government of Zambia will never open a mine in Barotseland despite the fact that there mineral deposits in that part of the 'unitary state of Zambia'. Our people are very poor right now. The education and health sectors are the poorest in Barotseland. Why do we continue to pretend? Let's face the real reason for the poverty in our land and do something about it. These charitable ideas will only soothe the wounds of our people but not heal them.
What our people need is complete remedy. Which country has ever developed without quality education? Already our children are mentally impaired even before they go to the so-called highest institution in Zambia, which is equally offering very poor education. How can students do well in school if they are not feeding well? The state of education in Zambia, starting from primary school to the university is not designed to equip people with knowledge so that they can develop their country. Infact, the state of the educational system in Zambia only favours theives because they are able to get certificates without the knowledge that should coe wit those certificates,and they are happy because they are only interested in finding jobs so that they can steal. Our students at UNZA live under very pathetic conditions. You can't expect somebody who, for example, is studying engineering to be a functional engineer after they finish their studies there. Moreover, they are starving. How can you expect somebody who has never had a home in his life to know what foods are essential for him so that his mind can work at its fullest potential? And how does he even find the time to look for the food, or where does he find the money? For those who do not know, UNZA students have to find their own food. We are the most pitiable people on earth because we are the only ones who do not seem to realise that there is no developed country in the world which does not produce technology. All developing countries are the consumers of technology that other people have produced. How can we produce technology if our children are only learning to steal because everyone else is a thief? As long as we avaoid facing the truth, we will never ever be free of our poverty. We can only develop together and not as individuals. We can go to live in other people's countries but eventually, when our usefulness to those countries has expired, we must, either voluntarily or by being forced, return to Zambia. No one knows the future. History can repeat itself. We all know that whites don't really like us beacause we are blacks. Therefore, we can't completely feel secure in their countries. Home is always home. Why not develop home to the level where we no longer want to leave? But to this we need to face the truth. And we all know the truth. We are in a marriage that is not working. Let's face it.
Name: Mwiya Liywale
Date: 23-02-2011
Comments: Bana ba poho ye nsu, I have not had any confirmations on the proposed meeting on the development of Barotseland. If you are interested please email me on: mwiyapom@yahoo.com
The idea of the Barotseland Development Corporation and the University of Barotseland are key in our quest to develop. Iam however disappointed that none of us wants to take the initial step. We can still approach already existing Fund Managers to help us set up a Barotse Development Fund. Bo Nalumango, can we be the ones to bring these ideas to fruition? The idea of a Fund Manager is to ensure that there is trust amoung the investors that their investments will be secured. Please lets communicate directly... I have your email address.
Name: Keith Nalumango
Date: 17-02-2011
Comments: Mr. Moderator, I couldn't agree with you more. I see the formation of the Barotse Development Corporation as the most feasible pre-requisite to the development of our land. The BRE would be entitled to a percentage of the profits so that our system could run on full tank, so to speak. Yes, like Coca-Cola Africa, the BDC we could have a non-profit department to assist the elderly with decent housing, kids who can't pay school fees, improve fisheries and animal husbandry. I like the idea of a university. Come on, bana ba hesu, let's stop talking, can't king cwalo? Let's DO something. I live thousands of miles away but I'm available to assist in any way possible.
Name: Lawrence - Moderator
Date: 15-02-2011
Comments: Talking to Keith's suggestion, I had always imagined setting up a multifacted Barotse Development Corporation or perhaps a management trust. The Idea would be to make money and re-invest the profits or make the whole thing non-profit. Those working in such an entity would be paid a salary. Support from the BRE would be a vital pre-requisite
I am also all for the idea of a University of Barotseland if such an entity could be created, with links to UNZA and other networks of African universities such as RUFORUM and would be happy to contribute course materials, teaching etc. We would need considerable support of course, not least from the relevant ministries.
Name: Keith Nalumango
Date: 15-02-2011
Comments: Bana ba hesu, let me make a suggestion. There are many of us in the dispora with money to invest kwa hae, but one hurdle has always been: who is going to manage our investments? Money that goes in must see more money coming out. So, how about one of us actually based in Barotseland, with the knowledge of our terrain, politics, etc. setting up a management company that we can entrust our investments in? Let's say ni bata ku buluka likomu, I need someone to manage them commercially, from balisana, mabisi to animal husbandry. Same for rice and fish farming. Let us form a management co-operative to run a cluster of independent investments. That's my proposal for bo Mwiya's meeting. Or, how about forming a Barotse Development Company, a professionally run public company that will sell shares to us all and tap into our regional potentialities? Kozo, bana ba poho y'e nsu. I wish the meeting a success. E-mail me if you need to (keith@nalumango.com).
Name: Mwiya Liywale
Date: 10-02-2011
Comments: Bana ba hesu, I have been reading comments on this wonderful forum for a long time now. People have raised brilliant ideas on developmental projects mwa Barotseland. However, this just remains rhetoric. Its now time to act! Let us suggest a day on a weekend when we can meet in Lusaka to discuss and initiate projects. You don't need to have money as an individual but as a group we can raise funds and start! Can I suggest we meet on Saturday 26th February 2011. Please respond and once we have people confirming we can then set the venue.
Name: Lawrence - Moderator
Date: 10-02-2011
Comments: Dear readers and contributors, we have received a number of contributions in the last two weeks that seek to introduce a political theme to the debate. We do understand the passions involved but we must adhere to the principles of the discussion forum which is social and economic development which is the core objective and activiy of Barotseland.com and the Zambezi Valley Development Initiative which takes the view that the peoples of this beautiful region are located in Zambia, Angola, Namibia and even Botswana. Thus we prefer to leave discussion of the politics or connection of the one aim to the other to other fora. Hope this is OK, ni itumezi ahulu.
Name: Derek Lubasi
Date: 07-02-2011
Comments: Bana ba Poho ye nsu, this forum is a knowledge bank.We need to take advantage of this passion and organise meetings with developmental agenda. It will not help to cry *** to develop our land.linako li fetuhile, nako ifitile
Name: Ngelo Lukuwa
Date: 06-02-2011
Comments: Whatever the outcome of the Barotse National Council let's hope it will be in the interest of all the people of Barotseland;. If this indaba is on BA, then there should be another called to discuss development of Barotseland. The SNDP for Zed has been launched, how much of content specifically talks about development of BL? We need specific plan for BL. Consultations should be carried out and invitations sent to all people to contribute on what they want to see and do for Barotseland; from villages to lilalos and diaspora. After this information has been collected a main indaba with sub-sector groups that will analyse and concretise the needs of the people of BL. The result/ product should be a Barotseland Development Plan to be used for implementation by local MPs/GRZ and solicit support from the partners in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Always act in the interest of Barotseland.
Name: Mubiwa Simakumba
Date: 04-02-2011
Comments: Whatever the outcome of the Barotse National Council let's hope it will be in the interest of "all the people of Barotseland". If this indaba is on BA, then there should be another called to discuss development of Barotseland. The SNDP for Zed has been launched, how much of content specifically talks about development of BL? We need specific plan for BL. Consultations should be carried out and invitations sent to all people to contribute on what they want to see and do for Barotseland; from villages to lilalos and diaspora. After this information has been collected a main indaba with sub-sector groups that will analyse and concretise the needs of the people of BL. The result/ product should be a Barotseland Development Plan to be used for implementation by local MPs/GRZ and solicit support from the partners in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Always act in the interest of Barotseland.
Name: Musiwa Mwanamwambwa
Date: 01-02-2011
Comments: Nasepa sichaba sa hesu kosiizi kaufela siketila...kindly update us on the Barotse National Council...what is it all about?? my fellow youths need an update. we are proud of who we are and we believe as youths we are the future generation.We call upon our fathers and mothers both in zambia and diaspora to unite if Barosteland is to develop. All I see are just plastic smiles during our Kuomboka Ceremony but in the real sense there is a lot of hetrage among ourselves. United we stand and divided we fall.Let be reconcilement and unity among leaders of barotseland.....Likes of Akas,sikotas,yetas,mwanamwambwas, the kaingus and other un mentioned please show some leadership to your people, there is no place like home. We all attend kuomboka ceremony as a sign of unity but are we really united or just pretend to show off to the world that we are united while we are not. why should we start fighting each other instead of fighting the enemy...as youths we are heavily disapp! ointed in the way Barotseland is governed by its representatives. Show the youths, the poor, the ophans sand vulnerable some light of hope.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
Date: 28-01-2011
Comments: Ba na ba Bulozi, I liked your explanation of Japanese development process. I am in Japan and can confess here that the Japanese economy revolves arround the credible intellect of its people rather than natural resources. Coming back home, there are efforts to kick-start the Barotseland University (It may have a different name) being spearheaded by Pastor Kaluwe and Professor Imenda. People of Barotseland have suffered a lot and we can not standby watching them pay the hard earned little Kwacha at Colleges and Universities far off. Its a concern and a pain we all share and must solve. Remember, the Barotseland smile is our smile, we cherish it because its our heritage. Our ancestors are turning with pain in their graves to see that we are the poorest in Zambia if not the world and that slowly we are becoming the least educated, sorry indeed. Untill the land and its people smile again, I end by saying tukongote wa mwana nongolo.
Name: Ngelo Lukuwa
Date: 21-01-2011
Comments: Hau bana ba mbunga, kini kukuzanga cwalo? This is 2011, time to concretise all those brilliant ideas discussed here. How do we move forward? Landownership (vis titles deeds) has been cited as a major concern hindering development mwa Barotseland. Why don't we experiment with 'outgrower schemes'? Not expert in agric but learnt about this when I visited my friend's mother in Mazabuka. Small scale farmers were making a living out of growing sugarcane and selling to Sugar company. The figures were quite impressive. We could try this for different crops. But there would be need for a company to buy the products. Landowners would eed to be encouraged even by 'p' from BRE that we have identified (based on expert/traditional knowledge) that such a crop would do well so all landowners in this area get involved. condolences!!!
Name: Mulala Muhosho
Date: 15-01-2011
Comments: i have liked the ideas that people have over the developmemt of our land if their is any programs where you need assistance kindly fuse me in.
Name: Ngelo Likuwa
Date: 21-01-2011
Comments: Hau bana ba mbunga, kini kukuzanga cwalo? This is 2011, time to concretise all those brilliant ideas discussed here. How do we move forward? Landownership (vis titles deeds) has been cited as a major concern hindering development mwa Barotseland. Why don't we experiment with 'outgrower schemes'? Not expert in agric but learnt about this when I visited my friend's mother in Mazabuka. Small scale farmers were making a living out of growing sugarcane and selling to Sugar company. The figures were quite impressive. We could try this for different crops. But there would be need for a company to buy the products. Landowners would need to be encouraged even by 'p' from BRE that we have identified (based on expert/traditional knowledge) that such a crop would do well so all landowners in this area get involved. condolences!!!
Name: Mulala Muhosho
Date: 15-01-2011
Comments: i have liked the ideas that people have over the developmemt of our land if their is any programs where you need assistance kindly fuse me in.
Name: Sepo Mubita
Date: 14-01-2011
Comments: Dear Readers. I am amaized to have come across this fantastic forum where sons and daughters of Barotseland have started thinking of ways to "DIY" it themselves. In 1945, when Japan was defeated during the second world war, Emperor Hirito summoned all the Japanese citzens to come back home. They were told to bring with them anything they thought could bring development to Japan. History tells us this. When they arrived back home, those people were grouped according to their desciplines. Engineers, Teachers, Pilots etc. In motor Vehicle Industry, a WV Bittle car was taken to Japan by one of the citizens who came from German. That car was dismantled to the last part you can think of and every part was measured and they then altered those measurement by a little bit. They then produced the modern Japanese car we drive today on our roads. Let us Japanese it. Together we can. "Obama". If the Japanese did it, "why can't we did it". We only need few individuals to start the ball, then everyone shall follow later. Kwisu muyoye banana bana ba Lewanika. "Botswana College of Engineering and Technology".
Name: Mufalo Mundia
Date: 12-01-2011
Comments: 2011 Borotseland should just be in the state which the almighty God wants it to be regardless......
Name: Ngelo Likuwa
Date: 31-12-2010
Comments: Happy and development projects filled 2011!! Its up to you and I to make it happen.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
Date: 24-12-2010
Comments: Sister Ngelo Likuwa, thank you for your email and comments on Prof Lungwangwa's ZBDU. I cherish your spirit to bring change to our motherland. Not all fruits on a tree ripen the same day,but for sure some day all fruits will have ripened. Others are welcome to join us in brainstorming too.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
Date: 18-12-2010
Comments: Can we start working towards a University in Barotseland. We need institutions of higher learning to research and provide the vital information needed for development. There are many Masters holders in towns like Mongu whose knowledge is waiting for the grave. Why not put them to good use? Our children spend so much to go to the line of rail to receive higher education. No need to go to Lusaka to get a degree. The Human Resource in Mongu and other twons is enough to handle first degrees. Those of you who support this idea get in touch with me. We start working immediately no time to waste.
Name: Likuwa Ngelo
Date: 14-12-2010
Comments: My question is how do we go about forming these companies or hold shares in existing companies to spearhead devpt in Barotseland? Is it possible to list on LUSE to raise capital instead of depeding on well wishers to sponsor? I would like to agree with Maketo on pushing for glass factory. The sand is suitable for glass. kapiri is not a sandy area, where do they get sand for the glass factory? Good news for revived cashew production. Another area is to introduce timber production industry and if possible school. School will train young men and women in wood works, furniture making and related for local consumption and export. At the same time school could be self-sustaining through manufacture of furniture, including boats (different designs) for sale. Young people would be equiped with skills for livelihood. Will also offer services to peole who currently take logs to Lusaka for sale by processing the wood within Barotseland and sale finished goods.
Name: Mubiana Like Mukendwa
E-mail: mukendwa.mubiana@unza.zm
Date: 11-12-2010
Comments: I am a PhD student in socioloy and my interest is on how rural development especially in western province can be mainstreamed into national development. The case of rural Mongu Kalabo road is quite interesting. I agree with Sianga Masilasi that the upland route(Mongu, Senanga, Kalongola, Kalabo) perhaps could be a cheaper alternative route. Along this forgotten route lies the sleeping giant of rural development of the province. (minerals, livestock, fish, wildlife,arable land and the people). Acquartic projects are extremely expensive to maintain especially for a developing country like Zambia. How do we take care of the ecosystem in that area? can we afford to destroy it? Perhaps, that area could be utilized for tourism boating another lucrative tourism venture with little maintanance costs. What do you think friends? niitumezi kozo! MUKENDWA LIKE MUBIANA
Name: Numwa Imakena Kaongolo ka Mbuywamwambwa
E-mail: kambongolo@hotmail.com
Date: 11-12-2010
Comments: "Sicaba saka, mu tokolomohe buphyeha. Tafa fa ki kupumeha." We now know where the likes of Sikota Namakando Wina stand, with "lila zaluna sina wa mwana luhule ni mutenya."
Name: Rose Nkanka
E-mail: rose.nkanka@gmail.com
Date: 03-12-2010
Comments: Dear belovered brothers and sisters. Please help me locate my roots. I am a South African and my grandfather originates from Zambia, Mongu and his name was Nawa Josias Nganga. He left Zambia during the 1930s in search for employment in SA but never returned back. He said his home place is Yaluwi. He was born at Skaboom under the then chief Msalawonke in the region of Lobidadanka and Mfilawambula. His younger sister's name is Sanga. He left Zambia with his other brother but unfortunately while in South Africa they parted ways and could not find each other ever after. I am pleading with you dear brothers and sisters to please help us find our roots. Please contact me at the above email address should you have any leeds. And as for the spellings of people's names and places, please pardon me as this was from a narrative we had with the old man and i not sure if they are correct.
Hi, can you please help me with the names of the Losi areas around Mongu
Name: Moderator
E-mail: lawrence@barotseland.com
Date: 13-12-2010
Comments: With regard to the comment below from Eugene, we shall stop broadcasting e-mail addresses on the Forum, Facebook and Google Group pages of B.com/ZVDI effective January 1st 2011 at the latest. With regard to the accuracy of links that contain references to historical information, we do not claim accuracy for ny of these and in some cases, some may appear to be clearly incorrect. The duty of this site, however, is to provide access to where information is located, be it true or false. In any case, history is a notoriously subjective discipline, there are no absolute truths or untruths and it is the job of the surfer/reader to make sense of what is claimed, particularly in linked pages.
Name: Eugene Simenda Mbanacele
E-mail: mbanacelee@hotmail.com
Date: 29-11-2010
Comments: I have just noticed that two kamunu's have used my name and email to post their own opinions. My opinions so far have been about arts and culture, as an eminent Ethnomusicologist. My other comments had focused on the proper analysis of the Luyi and subsquent dialects. Presentation of proper maps and chiftainance so that the information is readily accessible to anybody with a desire to know more about Western province. Those were not published as I had challenged the authenticity of some quarterss of our history, as posted on this site. Please find a way of making sure that people use authentic names and email addresses. Ref. 20-04-2010
Name: Matuka Mwansa
E-mail: mwansaevans@yahoo.com
Date: 25-11-2010
Comments: pipo pipo pipo,this site z very educative i appreciate very much.bt one thing nid to be done interms of educating the masses over the Barotseland,if you look at the cicled map it borders on parts of Angola.Botswana and Zimbabwe,Do you really think that will be possible,wars will erupt frm these countries if you try to push so much en this is the fact you cant run away from.The best way you need to do is push very hard for government to take development to north western province.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
E-mail: maketohm@yahoo.com
Date: 07-11-2010
Comments: Last month I had a nice chat with Mr.Nkwilimba concerning the Cashew industry in Barotseland. He informed me that the Cashew Company has received some funding from development partners. This was good news which we must follow closely. We need to monitor, help market etc. Now that the cashew is back on course maybe we push for the glass factory issue or bricks. If glass is made from sand why cann't we have a glass factory in Barotseland? Does it mean our sand is not ideal for glass making? Secondly we should not be importing pan bricks into the province, we can have them made locally.
Name: Ngelo Likuwa
E-mail: nlikuwa2007@yahoo.com
Date: 29-10-2010
Comments: This message is also posted on Silozi facebook. We do discuss and bemoan the lack of creativity, innovation and loss of our cultural heritage. I came up with an idea of Awards for outstanding performance in a number of areas to be identified. These awards are to encourage creativity, innovation and preseravation of our heritage. Most important is to keep people busy and thinking of new ways of improving their lives and bring out talent in esp. the youth in all Western districts. We could start kashimilila this December by giving small token to young people who can sing (rap etc in Lozi, Nkoya, Luyana, Mbunda etc) and produce outstanding drawings or art work...dream, dream, dream. The awards could take place every year in August (after Kuomboka/Kufuluhela and before farming & christmas season) or after every two years. But to keep people busy annual awards is preferred. Individuals or groups (or families) could sponsor awards named after someone who inspired you or has been outstanding in one area or the other for the cause of Barotseland, i.e late Nalumino Mundia. Awards could be in outstanding creative works, architectural designs, curvings and weaves, paintings and drawings, musical and dance talents, and community leadership to name but a few.
I intend to sponsor an award named after my hardworking, self-less and development-oriented late grandfather. Let me hear from progressive minds!!!!
Name: Mutumwenu Anamela
E-mail: mutumwenu@yahoo.com
Date: 24-10-2010
Comments: How can you adress development issues without considering the effect of political frameworks that determine our development pace? The fact that Barotseland is known to be the most backward province of Zambia dispite being the first to recieve western education is surely a political issue. Wakeup please!
Name: Shimba Newton
E-mail: shimbak@gmail.com
Date: 19-10-2010
Comments: I agree with Sianga Masilasi Elvis the Kalabo Mongu is very difficulty I wish the focus could have been Kalabo Kalongola Sesheke Road in order to open that side of the country to economical developments. Shangombo also was going to develop.
vName: Walubita Nasilele
E-mail: nasilelewalubita27@yahoo.com
Date: 14-10-2010
Comments: allow me to air out the views on the development of a vaible fisheries sector in the western province. fomous for the mongu fish, it is a rare opportunity to institute strict control measure on the fishing activities by our fishers, most fisheries in zambia were they is no tradition leaders involvement fish catches have drindled. BUT in barotseland i believe there is some control. all i would like to arge the KUTA to remain strict on migrants who bring distructive methods of fishing and encourage the government to propagate the popular mongu fish in fish ponds in Kaoma for farms to keep. LOZIS NEVER LOOSE LINKS WITH FISH
Name: Elvis Sianga
E-mail: elvissianga@live.com
Date: 14-10-2010
Comments: what can be done in the lower zambezi concentration is much in the upper.can you help me find my relation,my home village is nanjeke am told its near teachers college.chief libumbu.
Name: Sikakena Kapatiso
E-mail: Ksikakena@yahoo.com
Date: 03-10-2010
Comments: Culture and art have always played a key role in the development of people. Thus far we're on track thanks to the great kuomboka ceremony but what about the media world,the music industry.we need lozi songs to fill the air waves of zambia.we need a lozi media and music recording industry where our artists can record their music and help promote lozi language or we'll continue complaining of listening to our friends music all the times.we need a radio station that can cover the whole barotse land.i mean there can not be meaningful development without communication that unites people's mind to change their mind set.hmm,ki hande.
Name: Lawrence - Moderator
E-mail: lawrence@barotseland.com
Date: 03-10-2010
Comments: Please note that Barotseland.com has started a Facebook page which also contains recent postings from the Development Forum discussion group. Click on discussion group to view these. We have only just started this so bear with us while we load photos and other items. It will be really great to make Facebook friends for Barotseland.com! See you there!
Name: Lawrence - Moderator
E-mail: lawrence@barotseland.com
Date: 03-10-2010
Comments: We are proposing to hold two meetings/workshops to discuss the future of Barotseland.com and also on development in the Upper Zambezi Valley and on climate change and adaptation. The first of these meetings may be held in Mongu Tuesday 19th October 2010 while the second meeting may be held in Kalabo Tuesday 26th October 2010. If you would like to participate please notify us by e-mail as soon as possible. If you would like to make a comment/suggestion by e-mail to be considered at these meetings, please also send these as soon as possible for inclusion. These latter mails will be posted on the B.com website as will the responses from the meeting. Full details to follow. Many thanks.
Name: Mushala Wamulume
E-mail: wmushala@yahoo.com
Date: 02-10-2010
Comments: Its my first but not my last to visit this site. I have liked the ideas flowing. The rice Machine and the Cashew thing touched me the most. i would love to know the responses to those ideas and the way forward from the great Son who posted them because am ready to be part of the great way forwards and develop barotseland the land of our fore Fathers.
Name: Sikakena Kapatiso
E-mail: Ksikakena@yahoo.com
Date: 01-10-2010
Comments: The way forward for barotse land is economic autonomy which is indigenous based.the strong should help the weak to reach the top.it's known of us that we don't help each other because 'we're honest people'.hmm,honest to our own poverty.actually its cowardice and selfishness.lets guard our posts and champion the cause of the barotse land.and a word to our elders,it's almost sunset for you,what legacy are you leaving for us young ones?at least spend your last days fighting the cause of motherland.we need shoulders to stand on as move on with this poverty before it becomes a legacy to be passed on to the future generation.za luna ki zaluna
Name: Nathan Kaimba
E-mail: kaimban@yahoo.com
Date: 20-09-2010
Comments: Hi, I have enjoyed reading the History of the Lozi's and quite frankly most of the history books in our education system need to be updated with these rich history facts. I have one question though that I would love clarified if possible. The old barotse land prior to 1964 you say extended all the way to the border with the DRC. Is this really factual or a fable passed on? An idea that could help move the western province forward is to effectively engage in the timber industry with an empasis on reforestation (or whichever the correct term is). The abundant forest could be used properly. The last I was there indiscriminate logging was visible and some of those hardwood species would be lost forever if not harnessed. Secondly - active irrigation to support farming in cooperatives would also help increase food output and increase household income. Obviously the spillover would be development for the respective villages. I believe western provinve can still develop without taking on the western culture that is eroding other parts of the country. Nathan
Name: Ricky Kalaluka
E-mail: ricky@openafrica.org
Date: 30-08-2010
Comments: I am currently working on a website content aimed at marketing Western Zambia from Mwandi-Sesheke-Senanga-Mongu up to Kalabo and Liuwa plains as 4x4 self drive tourist destination. This is not a tour operation but a strategy to mainstream biodiversity conservation into pro-poor tourism. The concept is called tourism route development. Its actually for of an electronic travel guide that shows what is available in the area interms of accomondation, arts and crafts, national parks, ceremonies, rivers, actictivies etc. Once completed the business communities having services related to tourism in Western Province will be able to list their business free of charge. Currently our home page lists 56 of such routes in six southern african countries which include South Africa and Namibia the website (www.openafrica.org) is receiving about 15 000 page visits a month and a good amount translates into actual business. The background information to the Barotse trails route is what I am looking for more especially if someone can avail to me the use of Maloko in the area.
Name: Mukelabai Ndiyoi
E-mail: liowanyi1892@yahoo.com
Date: 28-08-2010
Comments: Whatever Idea you have, no matter how small or how seemingly unmanageable, the important thing is to put it on paper and discuss it with at least your brothers and sisters and START implementing it. The first step might be be too far and unrelated to the main object, but as sure as you have planned, this first step is most important. I am putting mubu wa sipepo under rice and onions starting this October
Name: Mukelabai Ndiyoi
E-mail: liowanyi1892@yahoo.com
Date: 21-08-2010
Comments: Ni lumelelana ni Ndate Sitwala. There is no need to change spelling. My father said Sesheke is NOT pronounced as you see it (he was 83). Infact it is pronounced as Sisheke-He laughed and said those that pronounced it as sesheke were unschooled. Same with sefula, senanga, Mongu. These are part of our heritage.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
E-mail: maketohm@yahoo.com
Date: 18-08-2010
Comments: Barotseland.com members, I suggest we meet over a cup of coffee in Mongu or Senanga on some day to be agreed upon. Preferably in September or October. Please note that all your contributions are lovely, but its time we bring heads together and make a way forward. The meeting will be purely developmental and open to all lovers of Barotseland development. Maketo Mubyana, Ryukoku University, Kyoto Japan
Name: Kaenda Windas Nasilele
E-mail: nasilelekaend@yahoo.com
Date: 08-08-2010
Comments: What a marvel to bump against such a wonderful discussion forum. The destiny of Barotseland is in our hands. 'CRY the Beloved Country'. Something should be done to develop our land and it is NOW!
Name: Mwiya Liwalii
E-mail: mwiyapom@yahoo.com
Date: 08-07-2010
Comments: I think that even if successive Zambian Governments have not provided for Baritseland we the people can provide for ourselves. What if we came up with a comprehensive development plan: Agriculture, roads, schools, hospitals, industry, commmerce, finance, security, local govment, etc, and presented that to well-wishers and our own wealth Barotselanders? We should not cry about the past. Let us face the challenge we have or else posterity will judge us harshly. Let us engage the British, the Basuto, The Batswana, the Bafokeng,etc who can help us.
Name: Iluba Simushi
E-mail: seamushi@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 01-06-2010
Comments: What are we doing now for barotseland? This is question we should be asking ourselves as individuals as well as a tribe and lastly as a people who a part of Zambia. Mostly, when you come across people from other tribe they look at Lozi people as advanced in education as education started in western province. That is a laugh, we have failed to bring positive change to our province and done nothing about the mistakes being committed by our assumed leaders. For example,we tend to choose leaders who are solely based in Lusaka and have little iinterest in developing the province. One positive thing isthat we have an organised traditional government system which we failed to capitalised. The Litunga and his Cabinet can bring positive change if we harmonize their administration and development of the Barotseland. please, let us be a once proud vibrant tribe.
Name: Mukelabai Ndiyoi
E-mail: liowanyi1892@yahoo.com
Date: 16-05-2010
Comments: Is this adequate for papers such as would be produced under the Institute of Barotse Studies (IBS)?
Reduction of Vulnerability and Poverty: An Analysis of Household Livelihood Systems Prevalent in the Barotse Plains
Mukelabai NDIYOI, Farming Systems Expert, 24 October 2005, 23 May 2010
Name: Mukelabai Ndiyoi
E-mail: liowanyi1892@yahoo.com
Date: 16-05-2010
Comments: Bo Nalumango, I have been collecting buka za silozi. I passed through Morija book centre in Lesotho--where books for Barotse education were printed before-- and bought a few books like Litaba Tsa Sechaba, Palisonyana ya bana ba silozi etc. Given the orientation of Barotseland.com, a good book to have would be "Za Luna Zi Lu Siile" ya bo Sakubita. I highly recommend the book. It used to be a required reading in schools in Livingstone, same as litaba za sechaba. Wonder why all these books have been deleted from the reading lists, even in Barotseland. Because of not reading Lozi books, we may find spellings such as on the list of birds that include “v” e.g sichonkovole. Lu kale mwendi Mwa puo ha kuna “v” ?
Name: Iluba Simushi
E-mail: seamushi@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 12-05-2010
Comments: Recently i was in Western Province with some colleague from other parts of the country, well, if we are to see change in WP my dear parents, brothers, sisters and children we need to do lot. my colleagues were impressed with a proper traditional governing system incomparable with other tribe in our country. they stated with such the Barotseland could be leading in all sectors of development. lets find a way of creating a conducive environment which will attract trained lozis in all fields to come and a play a role in development. Its hightime we had a university: this is an issue for discussion
Name: Moola Tshepo
E-mail: mbanacelee@hotmail.com
Date: 01-05-2010
Comments: I know for certain that i am Lozi too, i have been told my great grandmother was Lozi born in Lukulo, Zambia. I live in Botswana but i have never heard of any Lozi related event here. does anybody know who i can contact for more recent information. I would really love to see the kuomboka
Name: Matomoa Nyambe
E-mail: mnyambe@yahoo.com
Date: 25-04-2010
Comments: Ni ni na ni problem ni kwa hae kakuli kufumaneha kuli bu botana bwa mwa toho se bu palelwisa zwelopili ku ba teni. Ni bulele mwa sikuwa. There is no development ?(meaningful) development that shall occur in Bulozi for as long as Lozis bury their heads in the sand over the issue of Barotseland and we are now following who ever is in control. In fact dont it called Bulozi call it province ya kwa wiko (Western Province). I am disgusted by the lack of strategy to reclaim heritage issues regarding our province and whatever debates about development are superficial and lack relevance no wonder nothing will come out of your debates. Just yapping just yapping.
Name: Situmbeko Sitwala
E-mail: situmbekositwala@yahoo.com
Date: 25-04-2010
Comments: There is no dispute that Barotseland is a foreign word because we all know that it is. However, we cannot run away from the fact that Barotse is a Sotho version of Bulozi. Sothos and Luyanas had a long period of interaction and the Lozi language is about 70 percent Sotho. Some ethnology experts sometimes refer to si-Lozi as a Sotho. Changing names of towns or villages is not only costly but also xenophobic. We should not be afraid of using "colonial" names because this is part of our heritage. Xenophobia is one of the reasons, in my opinion, why Western Province is so backwards. Personally, I would advocate the use of Barotseland as the official name for Western Province. The moment we start stressing the Loziness of the Western Province, we begin alienating other tribes, like the Nkoya, Mbunda, Luvale and others, who, presently play a very important role in the "growth" of this province. Changing the name will mean that we "kill" our history and heritage. Barotseland means ! a lot to some of us. This name should not be discarded because it symbolises what we are as people of of Western Province. Our aspirations, values etc. Archives worldwide are stocked with history on Barotseland. There are many scholars who have done their theses based on Barotseland. Also Barotseland is more romantic compared to Bulozi. Barotseland is also an all-embracing name. For instance, I have been calling, for a long time now, all people who come from or have made Western Province their home, as Barotselanders. There is a sea of books written on Barotseland - its people, climate, culture. After changing the name, what do we do with such literature? In the cattle ranching sector our Barotse breed is well-documented. Doesn't this make you proud, guys? For your information, because of this name, some creative investors from South Africa are using this sweet-sounding name to "woo" dollars from Western countries by bringing tourists into Sesheke in the name The Royal Barotse. Having said this, this is not to say we cannot the use the word Bulozi interchangeably. In the USA state of Indiana, there is a small town called Angola. Whats wrong with that. Look at what we did with Feira. Few people know that Feira, which is now called Luangwa, was once a slave trading post. Litambya hospital in Senanga was formerlly called Samuel Griollet Memorial Hospital. Who was samuel Griollet? Same with Barotseland. It seems we don't want our history. The way forward for Western Province is to tackle poverty and unemployment through agriculture (rice, cassava, cashewnuts, mango, maize, oranges, sorghum, millet, vegetables, wild fruits, forestry} tourism, animal husbandry, cattle ranching, fish farming. We, as individual Barotselanders, should also invest in education. It's not about how we spell Sesheke, Senanga, Mongu, Lealui etc. These spellings came a long way and have become universal. So leave them alone. Lusaka, Zambia
Name: Eugene Mbanacele
E-mail: mbanacelee@hotmail.com
Date: 20-04-2010
Comments: Ni ni na ni problem ni kwa hae kakuli kufumaneha kuli bu botana bwa mwa toho se bu palelwisa zwelopili ku ba teni. Ni bulele mwa sikuwa. There is no development ?(meaningful) development that shall occur in Bulozi for as long as Lozis bury their heads in the sand over the issue of Barotseland and we are now following who ever is in control. In fact dont it called Bulozi call it province ya kwa wiko (Western Province). I am disgusted by the lack of strategy to reclaim heritage issues regarding our province and whatever debates about development are superficial and lack relevance no wonder nothing will come out of your debates. Just yapping just yapping.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
E-mail: maketohm@yahoo.com
Date: 31-03-2010
Comments: I read with great sorrow, the loss of our beloved sister and compatriot in the struggle to uplift the standards of living in Barotseland, Monde who passed away in Lewanika General Hospital. I also extend my condolences to the Royal Family in Mwandi on the loss of Mukwae Monde Yeta, Matauka and Prince Kufuna who died in a road accident along Nakatindi Road in Sesheke. I wish the bereaved families God’s guidance.
Name: Namakau Mubita
E-mail: beautynamaku@yahoo.com
Date: 29-03-2010
Comments: It saddend me when I learnt of the death of Monde my cousin last night when I called Western Province. It was really hard for me to believe. Monde had a heart for her province and Zambia as a whole. She was a very commited young lady who put her work and other poeple first in all her plans. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Beauty Mubita
Ottawa Canada
Name: Ngelo Likuwa
Date: 29-03-2010
E-mail: nlikuwa@gmail.com
Comments:My condolences! Please, you are doing great with this forum. Continue the good work.

Name: Lawrence - Moderator
E-mail: lawrence@barotseland.com
Date: 24-03-2010
Comments: It is with great sadness that Barotseland.com announces the loss of its Operations Manager, the Mukwae Monde Mubita, who passed away Sunday 14th March at 09:00 at Lewanika General Hospital after a short illness. She was buried in the royal graveyard at Katongo, Tuesday 16th March at 14:00. Her contribution to the organisation and to the community she served was immeasurable. The high esteem in which she was held was demonstrated by the large number of people who arrived for the burial service. Her presence and energy are sorely missed. Monde believed in the development of her homeland and protection of its heritage and culture. We cannot replace Monde, or 'bo Mukwae' as we always called her, but we will try to go on.
Name: Lawrence - Moderator
E-mail: lawrence@barotseland.com
Date: 24-03-2010
Comments: It is with great sadness that Barotseland.com announces the loss of its Operations Manager, the Mukwae Monde Mubita, who passed away Sunday 14th March at 09:00 at Lewanika General Hospital after a short illness. She was buried in the royal graveyard at Katongo, Tuesday 16th March at 14:00. Her contribution to the organisation and to the community she served was immeasurable. The high esteem in which she was held was demonstrated by the large number of people who arrived for the burial service. Her presence and energy are sorely missed. Monde believed in the development of her homeland and protection of its heritage and culture. We cannot replace Monde, or 'bo Mukwae' as we always called her, but we will try to go on.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
E-mail: maketohm@yahoo.com
Date: 04-03-2010
Comments: The Moderator, I totally agree with your views. Probably let me use this opportunity to give my idea on what to do; of course these are my ideas not views of the Cashew Committee in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO), which I was a member before I came to School. Admittedly Barotseland needs to industrialize (small industries) bit by bit and the cashew industry is one priority for reasons you already mentioned.Cashew is more expensive than even copper. There is so much information in Mongu about Cashew; what varieties are high yielding? Local Research done and so on. I learnt a lot from the Cashew Meeting held at Agriculture Offices, Mongu on December 2008, attended by our Induna Imandi (Mr.Muteto) representing our Royal Establishment. Farmers and Cashew Processors were in attendance too. The Provincial Agricultural Officer (PAO), Mongu and the Provincial Agricultural Research Officer (Mr.Mupo) presented well researched papers on the same. We visited the Cashew plant and several problems were identified. But a close look inside the whole operation clearly shows lack of very serious business drive. If we can identify few serious local investors willing to start small and grow big. Money is not an issue because there are many windows from which to borrow. By the way, does the law prohibit the use of Constituency Development Funds for such purposes? What about Citizens Empowerment Funds? My understanding is that many windows are open. All is required is a bankable business plan, by serious people who do not believe in handouts from government, but paying back what is borrowed. Market is not an issue as it can be developed. Starting locally with a global focus may help. Right now there is One Village One Product (OVOP) Movement spreading to Africa from Japan. Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia are on truck already, why can’t Barotseland join? If there are people interested in the OVOP JICA-Zambia and PaViDIA Offices can provide the information and probably link them up.
Name: Lawrence - Moderator
E-mail: lawrence@barotseland.com
Date: 28-02-2010
Comments: Great to hear from Kyoto following a tradition of Zambian scholars in that city of learning, especially at the Research Institute for Humanities and Nature (RIHN) in Kamigamo, Kita Ku on the other side of town to Ryukoku. Rice growing, like all crop production in Bulozi faces many hurdles concerned with processing and packaging facilities so that local producers have to accept low prices to send unprocessed rice and other crops straight to market when buyers offer the lowest prices, unprocessed and without value added. Many growers also underestimate the costs associated with milling, polishing and packaging. The 100 yen polisher sounds a great idea! Meanwhile, rice growing in Bulozi also faces other problems, 80% of the 2009 harvest was washed away or drowned by very high floods that lasted too long in many areas leading to losses and hunger. Barotseland.com was one of the losers at this time but life was even worse for many small growers who, when the inundation subsided enough to allow inspection, discovered they had lost everything. Another issue to be faced, as all growers around Mongu and Limulunga will attest to, is rampant theft from seedling thru to harvest.
For some decades the issue of cashews in Bulozi has been a thorny one with a long history. First, people were encouraged to plant these trees in neat groves and indeed they thrived on the sandy soil on the ridge above the eastern plain margin of Bulozi. Now, as Maketo suggests, they even get burned for firewood. Some of the problems in making cashews economically viable have been lack of processing and packing facilities, distance from market (physical)y and poor market access leading to low prices and even difficulty to sell for growers. Other historical issues crosscut these and there is a legacy of mistrust among local people concerned with cashew nut growing in Barotseland. It is also true that all round the so called ‘developed world’, cashew nuts are an expensive but popular luxury and are used extensively in Chinese cooking, in medicinal preparations and for production of oil. In a country like Japan there is a highly sophisticated market where preferential treatment given to local produce and local business. It’s all very frustrating in Bulozi where the most obvious value tends to be the juicy cashew fruits favoured by eager children.
What to do?
Name: Maketo Mubyana
E-mail: maketohm@yahoo.com
Date: 28-02-2010
Comments: In those days it was possible to get to (the Zambezi river) Lyambai neng’umelanda’s clean sand beaches and wait for a little while as hippos gather on the opposite bank to enjoy the warm noon sand. In about one hour’s time more than 30 hippos big and small, male and female would start rolling and laughing to the astonishment of an onlooker. A big male hippo with a white mark in the forehead would once in a while open its mouth widely and engulf as though attempting to swallow a baby one. The mother hippo would stop grazing and rush to fight the nuisance male, while the other big one would bust into a laughter Hashi hahahaha hashi ha; surely even hippos enjoyed playing and joking in Barotseland. However, just before sunset, we would assemble the cattle getting ready to go home. Along the way, various types of birds small and big would sing the beauty of Barotseland for us. Miombo, machikwi, bo Imuyulu, ng’uba ng’uba, milombwe, bo maiwiye, and others too many to m!
ention would praise the setting day just before the sky gets darkened by linongolo flying back to their habitats to wait for the next day.Surely, some of those birds may never be seen again in Barotseland in our life time. Probably we need to take pictures of those that can still be seen by chance. We need them in our museum for reference.
Name: Maketo Mubyana
E-mail: maketohm@yahoo.com
Date: 28-02-2010
Comments: Dear lovers of Barotseland, Last time I talked about establishing the Barotse Agricultural Commercialization Centre(BACC)that would promote investment in Agriculture and create employment for our youths. This week I visited a farming area in Kyoto East, where I saw a rice polishing machine which uses coins (100 Yen coins) and polishes 30 kilograms of rice to grade A standard in 5 minutes. I imagined the stress our people go through when polishing rice. Surely, we need this type of machines. Secondly, my friend in India also connected me to a cashew processing machines company and gave me a website for such machines. I got so impressed and went ahead to check the price of cashewnuts in Kyoto and Osaka suppermarkets;200gms cost about 480 Yen about K24 500. I went to bed heart broken when I remembered the cashew nut trees being set on fire in Barotseland. Let's act and its now.
Please note, Kindly take note that the coin (100Yen) I referred to in my earlier submition is not a source of energy but operational mode (like vending machine) otherwise the rice polishing machine in question is electricity powered and very efficient
Maketo Mubyana, Ryukoku University, Kyoto, Japan
Name: Eugene Simenda Mbanacele
E-mail: mbanacelee@hotmail.com
Date: 20-02-2010
Comments: Did you know that Zimbabwe traditionally, does not have Silimba music? Today, Zimbabwe is a force to reckon with in the area of playing Kang'ombyo and Silimba. The Lozi of the Western Province of Zambia and the Chopi speaking people of Mozambique migrant workers introduced the Silimba to Zimbabwe. Now talking about development, how many young Lozi's can play Silimba or Kango'mbyo today? When did you last hear Sipelu, Kayowe, Kandemba live music? Development will only begin when the people will start recognising, appreciating,respecting and enjoying what they have. May I suggest you upload some audio and video files of the music of the province.
Name: Mutumwenu Anamela
E-mail: mutumwenu@yahoo.com
Date: 17-02-2010
Comments: I find the name "Barotseland" to be foreign and I think Lozi people must stop using it. Let us be Lozi people living in "Bulozi"!
Name: Mutumwenu Anamela
E-mail: mutumwenu@yahoo.com
Date: 16-02-2010
Comments: People suffer when they lack the right knowledge /skills and an enabling political setup. The governments have failed to invest in the development of human resource in Bulozi. This is why very few people, if any, can produce any marketable modern utensil from any kind of local raw material. Our forefathers had mastered their invirolment for survival and they cameup with great invensions like the mukolo, the chika etc. What about us? What have we done to the mulozis life style ? Let us comeup with implemantable income generating project ideas on this site.
Name: Keith Nalumango
E-mail: kaymangoes@hotmail.com
Date: 14-02-2010
Comments: Thanks you for initiating this project. I grew up at Lealui/Limulunga, in the then Mongu-Lealui District of the Protectorate. I saw the muleneng' on the plain on Google Earth a few days ago, and it looks deserted. Lumulunga is a great sight, though.
Since the children of the kingdom are scattered all over the globe, we could form chapters all over, strategize and report to Barotseland.com. We need to build an Institute for Barotse Studies that will focus on the NEEDS of our people - clean water, animal husbandry, basic house structures using local materials, rice/cassava,etc. growing, fish farming, basic hygiene and every spinoff from the industry pertaing to the komu - the cow. Add solar and windpower energy to that and then our history - where we're coming from and where we're going. We need to reconnect with the Kingdom of Lesotho and South Africa not only for cultural reasons but for development - learn from each other. What say you, mwan'esu?
Name: Maketo Mubyana
E-mail: maketohm@yahoo.com
Date: 25-12-2009
Comments: Dear Friends of Barotseland, I am so grateful to be accorded this opportunity to share with you issues relating the development of my mother land. I grew up on the banks of the Zambezi river, right in the middle of the Barotse plains at Mongu. My father was one of the famous cattle keepers in our area and this paid for my education and that of my brothers and sisters. Watching cattle graze and calves run arround more especially before sunset at horizon made my memories of beautiful baratse. This would once in a while be spiced by a hippo laughter before before the usuall sound of mindili from fishing youths. Today my homeland has very little to offer; as the cattle population and fish stocks seem to be going under and being replaced by a dark cloud of poverty when youths fail to catch fish and resort to stock theft. The trend is so bad that a solution has to be found and this has to be now. What if we created a Barotse Agricultural Commercialization Centre (BACC) !
That would take care of promoting investment in Africulture and Fisheries industries?
Name: Litebele Kabika
E-mail: fkabika@gmail.com
Date: 01-12-2009
Comments: I think we have been dragged in the mad for too long by the Governments we have had in Zanbia, when are we going to be our own country, Barotseland? With the current happenings, i dont see Western province developing in any way, be it infrastructure or social services!
Name: Brian Kayongo
E-mail: brian.arha@gmail.com
Date: 23-10-2009
Comments: So much is desired in barotseland but we need to take actions to claim the history of our mother land. To begin with, we need to know our history including the crusual Barotse Agreement. Am actually wondering why this agreement is made a secret document when it is being refered to by most of our parents who discuss development Challenges on Radios. I would like to eadge Barotseland.com to put this important document on their site so that we can read and understand its content. Our history is our heritage and it is bad to throw it away like this. We need to know and our children would also need to know. As youths in the Province, we have become mute because we know less about our land and system, hence we have no basis to stand and defend what we do not Know for the wepons have been hidden away from us. They say knowledge is power, but without knowledge, we are simply dead alive. If our parents who have knowledge about our land decide to die with that then our land!
(Our land?) will be taken away from us and we will be captives in our own land. So if this institution has assess to this document please can you put it on this site because this is the only site where we can get all the information concerning Barotseland. Please do what is write (right)...
Name: David Whitehead
E-mail: whitehead@new.co.za
Date: 04-10-2009
Comments: The canal between the Zambezi and Mongu was dug by King Lewanika so I suspect he was the instigator of the canal around the Ngonye Falls. Seasonal fluctuation in the level of the Zambezi river above the falls must have made operation of the channel a very difficult task had it ever been completed. My guess is that barges from up-stream were to be brought closer to the barges from down-stream thus avoiding a long overland (15 km?) transfer of goods & people. Remember the Zambezi can rise >10 meters from low water to flood.
Bo Lawrence - do you or your readers have any information to share on this topic. The Peace Parks Foundation in Stellenbosch have issued an Integrated Development Plan for the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area - Gavin Johnson of Royal Barotse Safari’s Mutemwa Lodge gave me his copy. It was Gavin who first drew my attention to and showed me the Litunga’s channel which was designed to by-pass the Falls. I imagine it was King Lewanika in the 1890s who planned and started to dig the canal. We used oxen to drag barges around the falls in the 30s when I was a child. The other option in my day was to unload and carry the goods to another barge berthed aabove the falls. The barges were built of Mukwa by Arthur Harrington in Senanga. A Google Earth image of the Falls and a map in the Peace Parks Foundation IDP (p 128) for the KAZA transfrontier conservation area shows the cannel very clearly. I wish to plant mango and gauva trees in the villages below the Falls.
It was wonderful to be back in Barotseland & to speak & listen to Sikolo again on my recent visit - I plan to return next year. I wonder if the house in Katongo (Mongu) my father built in 1920s (where I was born in 1933) still stands?
Name: Simushi Iluba
E-mail: seamushi@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 01-10-2009
Comments: Barotseland/Western province is endowed with vast resources to achieve economic growth, but this cannot happen as long as we do not change our attitudes and perceive our role in the development of Barotseland. As a tribe or as a part of Zambian people, we need to identify ourselves as Lozis as well as Zambian and promote our culture. This is cardinal in promoting economic liberalization and enhance development. Culture identity plays a vital role in development the people and the country. you might be endowed with vast resources if you do not harmonize education, culture and development then forget about progressing. take an example of most Asian countries and even better our neighbour Botswana where human development and culture has played a significant role in their economic growth and improved standard of living. Lets not be a proud people but be proud with what we can achieve as a clan. God bless and as well guide us.
Name: Mafo Chinyemba
E-mail: fombachi@gmail.com
Date: 27-08-2009
Comments: I have liked the site as it is informative and people with history face the future with confindence. Hopefully the issues that affect the lozis and the related tribes would be addressed in a fair manner.
Name: Ngelo Likuwa
E-mail: nlikuwa@gmail.com
Date: 12-08-2009
Comments: I would like to find out why there has been such a long break on the forum. Is it lack of topics to discuss? Please, revive the discussions. You could even base them on news reports, i.e there was a recent report of the Council donating shovels, etc to assist in digging the canals. Do people have to wait to be told when to dig the canals? How was it done in old days when there was no intervention from 'donors', whatever their kind? Why have people become so 'lazy/relaxed' and wait for handouts?
Name: Kabuku Mutumba
E-mail: carolinechola@yahoo.com
Date: 14-07-2009
Comments: This website is a step in the right direction. Regular updates will encourage more visits.
Name: Kalimukwa Sinyama
E-mail: sinyamakalimukwa@yahoo.ca
Date: 23-03-2006
Comments: Let's keep this site alive. This is the way to pass on our culture to our children and our children's children. Some of us living outside the beautiful country of Zambia are proud to bump into this website and find a great deal of information about our culture, our people, our chief, his grace the Litunga. Keep it up!
Name: Paul Heddon
E-mail: paulghedden@yahoo.com
Date: 16-03-2006
Comments: I had the very good fortune of visiting Barotseland two years ago while making a four year journey through Africa. My experiences in Zambia, and Barotseland in particular, were enhanced by my encounter with a bright young fellow by the name of Ruben. Unfortunately I do not know Ruben's surname, but he and his family was from the vicinity of Senanga. We travelled together for about a week and, while in Lusaka, he introduced me to an MP from Western Zambia and we (Ruben, the MP, and myself) dicussed an economic development scheme for Barotseland. The scheme would utilize the human and natural resources already at hand in Barotseland. I helped Ruben establish an email account and I had hoped to remain in contact with him to go forward with this scheme to improbve the well being of the Western Province. I have yet to hear from him. If anyone can help me contact Ruben I woulod appreciate it. I am eager to further explore the potential of the Lozi people and see the improvement of health, education and infrastructure in Western Zambia. Thank you, Paul G. Hedden
Name: Godwin-Mando Kaluwe-Yeta
E-mail: kefyeta3@msn.com
Date: 13-03-2006
Comments: The Mongu -Kalabo Road is a step in the right direction, but it must be completed. This road or bridge is the cornerstone for development. It will be the back-bone for development. It must be taken seriously. All the other dreams we have will be sustained by this road net work.
Name: Kalimbwe Kalimbwe
E-mail: kalimbwebkalimbwe@yahoo.com
Date: 10-11-2005
Comments: I seem to be inline with all those who feel that Land issue must be tackled so as to steer development in Barotseland. I think we need to take action rather than just "talking". We need to start from somewhere i.e.:
1.Who should really look at resolving the land issue?
2.What is the best way to handle the issue without causing any problem?
3.When can we start sort out the land issue? etc.
As much as we know that the land belongs to people ,we should as well realise that the same people need Good if not High standard of living. Therefore, as they own most of the land ,they must give or surrender part of it for commercial usage and would be investors. For Barotseland to become a breadbsaket we need RANCHES and FARMS just as mentioned by others,to do this we need land.In my view this does not mean the land is being taken away from anyone. Failure to allocate land for commercial usage simply means we will continue talking about Poverty in Bulozi endlessly.
Kalimbwe
Name: Wamuwi Silimwe-Lubasi
Email: silimwe@yahoo.com
Date: 01-11-2005
Comments: There is need to have a Timber Processing Project in Kaoma and Senanga West and East. It is not right that timber should be taken to South Africa in Log form. The Province is being stripped of its riches to benefit other nations while its people wallow in poverty.
Name: Katukula Mwiya
E-mail: kmwiya@yahoo.com
Date: 26-10-2005
Comments: Since successive governments have failed us, we the Lozis should hatch plans to fully exploit the abundant resources of our motherland. Indeed the starting point should be to address the land tenure policies. Of course, we should keep it in our collective minds that land still remains our inalienable resource, never to be alienated. Let us address the land question in the most approprite manner so that we attract the wealthy sons and daughters of Barotseland to freely invest. This is the main reason given for failure to attract meaningful investment. Our timber has been plundered. Our fish is getting depleted. Our cattle is left chronically diseased. But our people and our land are still intact. We can still achieve great things. We can make great strides in development, if only we put our heads together. It is not late. The time is now.
Name: Lawrence Flint
E-mail: flint@africainformation.net
Date: 24-10-2005
Comments: I think Maximilian has a point regarding the land issue as there is much confusion over ownership/tenureship of land, especially that which has been parcelled out over the years by successive Royal Establishments. It is certainly true that much fertile land lies under-cultivated and herein lies the crux of the development issue for Barotseland as for most of Sub-Saharan Africa. In order for the region to enter into meaningful human development, it must, first and foremost, be able to produce enough food to feed all its people and maintain a surplus which can be stored for the bad years and for trade purposes. Self-sufficiency was how Bulozi became a great nation before the coming of the Makololo and was still at the heart of the national economy that was devastated by colonialism in the form of taxation, the introduction of European style money, labour migration and pressure on Litungas Lewanika and Yeta III to abolish tribute and labour impositions (which were surely just indigenous forms of taxation albeit for different purposes).
Before western Europe became the core of the world economy, it started producing food surpluses which allowed for industrial specialisation which, in turn, provided automation of agricultural processes making people on the land redundant, and these people flocked to the new cities to take up jobs in urban-based industry. Huge amounts of food were then required for the populations of European cities who were no longer involved with food production. For this to hppen, new land ownership replaced land tenureship so that plots could be sold and large farms could be formed which, in turn could utilise technologies of automation.
It was to provide and preserve new resources and markets in Africa for European industry that colonialism delayed the same economic revolution in Africa and even today, the international financial institutions try to hold back developing countries from industrialisation. Thus, we have to go back to basics. Barotseland/Western Province must produce its own food, and process/preserve it so that it can be marketed around the region and farther afield in Zambia and elsewhere. When David Livingstone came to Bulozi, he recorded that this was the breadbasket of the region; it can be so again, releasing the economic potential referred to by Mutemwa, with the right political and economic conditions and the concerted effort of the people described by Katukula.
Name: Katukula Mwiya
E-mail: kmwiya@yahoo.com
Date: 17-10-2005
Comments: Barotseland has rich history and culture, most of which has been misconstrued. We also have great potential in natural resources. But most of the Lozis pay lipservice to these issues. Those who have acquired pieces of land in Lusaka are now more Zambian than Lozi. We need the concerted effort of every Lozi to move our motherland forward. Those in the Diaspora have a special role to play in this great effort.
Name: Maximilian Siyunyi
E-mail: siyuniomi@gmail.com
Date: 17-09-2005
Comments: Barotseland is a country privileged and rich in natural resources. However, there are a few things that I think should be put in place as we look at development in Western Province. The first thing that we should do is to reconsider the land reform issue; many people are sitting on land that they don't know what to do with, and the other thing, maybe, is to intiate educational programs that would help people understand the situation in which we find ourselves in this era. What is economic development in Barotseland? Can the fish industry help develop Western Province? Maybe agriculture, especially maize production in Kaoma, rice in Nalikwanda, and the fertile flood plains of Limulunga; we stand out in all these things but we allow our own wealth to develop other provinces while we remain poor. The question is, are the people of Barotseland aware of these things? Let us do something for ourselves just as our forefathers did their part. Our land can make us rich if we are serious about changing the situation in Western Province. Thanks to all those who are making the effort to do something.
Name: Mutemwa Makomani
E-mail: mutemwam@yahoo.com
Date: 22-08-2005
Comments: In August 2002, I was privileged to accompany - although to only two districts - Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika, then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as he toured Barotseland. The tour was meant to gauge what economic development potential the "province" has and how this potential can be exploited. This data is gathering dust somewhere in the ministry. Will someone please retrieve that data and publish it so that we may all endeavour to work on it.
Name: Bright Kalimbwe
E-mail:
Date: 08-08-2005
Comments: Mine is on developmental organisations to be formed to look at development issues in Barotseland e.g. an organisation like 'Barotseland or Western Tourism Association ' can be formed specifically to target tourism investiment and growth, and market tourism potential in the area. This can be used as well to source funds from well wishers for support.
Another contribution is that, under 'TOURISM ' on this website you can add or include tourism attractions of Barotseland so that people can see what Barotseland has to offer in terms of tourism. You can also add a column for Agriculture & Farming, to indicate what can be grown in Barotseland. This can assist well wishers to help or support people of the area to become self-sufficient in food.
Bright Kalimbwe