Northern Rhodesia Institute for Colonial Research

Government Directive on the Use of Formal
Traditional Titles of Chiefs in Zambia

The traditional titles for Chiefs in Zambia are diverse and reflect the rich cultural heritage of its numerous ethnic groups. The titles are often specific to the particular chiefdom and the people's language.

In a Circular No.: 12 OF 2024 REF: MLGRD/CD/102/4/78, dated 12th March 2024 addressed to all Heads of Government Institutions, Government gave a Directive on the Mandatory Use of Formal Traditional Titles for recognized Chiefs in the Republic of Zambia.

2.0 DIRECTIVE

“. . . . . it is hereby directed that:
All Recognised Traditional Leaders in the Republic of Zambia must henceforth be addressed officially and in all formal correspondence by their correct and formal traditional titles. This includes, but is not limited to, His Royal Highness, Chitimukulu, Litunga, Mpezeni, Kalonga Gawa Undi, Senior Chief, Chief, Mwami, and all other specific traditional titles as recognised and registered by the Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.”

3.0 Specific Traditional Titles and Their Ethnic Associations:

Chief is most widespread English designation for a traditional ruler in Zambia. This is the generic title used across all ethnicities also called tribes. You may wish to note that the labels Paramount Chief, Senior Chief or simply Chief are all Government effort used to categorize or designate the level of jurisdiction within a tribe not across tribes. The title of “King” is not hierarchical, not even recognised in Zambia. It is important to note that the specific traditional title for an individual chief is an integral part of their identity and the history of their people.

Some of the commonly known titles and their tribal associations are listed below:

o Mwine Lubemba /Chitimukulu (Bemba Nation)
o Litunga (Lozi Nation - meaning 'Of the Earth')
o Nkhosi Mpezeni (Ngoni Nation)
o Kalonga Gawa Undi (Chewa Nation)
o # # (Leya People)
o # # (among the Ushi, Lamba, Lala, and Swaka peoples)
o Kankomba (Among the Ambo people)
o Mwata (Used by chiefs in the Lunda chiefdoms)
o Nkosi (Among some Ngoni and Nsenga groups)
o Mwene (Common in several languages of Western and Southern Provinces, e.g., Nkoya, Mbunda)
o # # (among the Mambwe – Lungu Nation)

Hence:
o (Bemba Nation) Mwine Lubemba Kanyanta Manga II Henry Sosala or Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II Henry Sosala.
• Never Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.

Chitimukulu is the name of an inherited Office (Title). The Occupier of that Office have their own name. Bemba Nation is led by Office of The Chitimukulu.


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