The Ngoni of Mzimba have expressed commitment to closely work with government to allow women get into leadership positions and be economically empowered as a way of dealing with Gender Based Violence.

Speaking at the 2017 Umthetho Annual Celebrations on Saturday, Imkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V said the event will play a very big role in solving some of the challenges affecting his tribe.

“Child marriages and Gender Based Violence are some of the issues affecting my people and we have to work as a tribe in dealing with that once and for all,” he said.

The event was celebrated under the theme “Women and culture ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere.”

Foreign dignitaries at the event were Mkosi Mbekesini Gumba Jere from Zulu land, Londiwe from Zwelithini in South Africa and Prince Zwidi Khumalo from the Lubengula Chieftaincy in Zimbabwe.

Others were Imkosi ya Makosi Zulu Gama from Tanzania and Imkosi ya Makosi Mpezeni Four from Zambia.

Chiefs from Malawi included Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi, Paramount Chief Kawinga of Machinga, Paramount Chief Lundu of Chikwawa and Paramount Chief Ngolongoliwa from Thyolo.

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Dr Lazarus Chakwera and Minister of Civic Education and Culture Cecelia Chazama were also in attendance.