312 VaRemba Initiates Graduate After Month-Long Rite of Passage

Southerton Business Times
1 day ago
3 min read

312 Lemba people of Zimbabwe (VaRemba) began their rite of passage after a month-long initiation. They were welcomed back from Dumbwi raMposi mountain by Chief Mposi in Mberengwa, Midlands South. The event reflected the critical role culture plays in advancing national development strategy goals by fostering and reinforcing a sense of national identity and heritage. – Pictures: Obey Musiwa

A total of 312 Lemba, commonly known as VaRemba, initiates have completed a month-long rite of passage programme at Dumbwi raMposi Mountain in Mberengwa, with traditional leaders urging them to preserve their cultural identity and values. The initiates were ceremonially welcomed back by Chief Mposi III (Edmos Mpangeri) following the programme, which was organised by The Sun That Never Sets, a cultural organisation working within the Lemba community.

The graduation ceremony highlighted the continuing role of indigenous cultural practices in Zimbabwe in promoting discipline, unity, identity and community cohesion among young people. Cultural leaders said preserving traditions should not be viewed simply as protecting the past, but as an important part of strengthening communities and maintaining Zimbabwe's cultural heritage.

VaRemba call for protection of sacred sites

The Sun That Never Sets chairperson and cultural custodian, Mukanganiki Mupandasekwa of the Seremani clan, called for greater protection of sacred cultural sites and traditional practices.

“It is our heritage that we should safeguard sacred cultural places and shrines such as Dumbwi raMposi mountain and other areas such as Manjiribwe, Mubaki, Marozva, Mutandavanji and Chimwandawu,” Mupandasekwa said.

He said The Sun That Never Sets seeks to counter cultural erosion by bringing together communities including the Lemba, Changani, Chewa and Venda.

“We are engaged to preserve culture through a cultural organisation named The Sun That Never Sets, bringing together the Lemba, Changani, Chewa and Venda as they were since time immemorial,” he said.

Mupandasekwa also praised President Emmerson Mnangagwa's launch of Culture Day, saying the initiative had encouraged communities to celebrate and practise their traditions.

Chief urges initiates to uphold discipline

Chief Mposi III urged the graduates to remain committed to the values imparted during the rite of passage.

“Remain solid to the culture away from mischievous behaviours like drug abuse and violence,” he said.

“This is a chance to show your pride, courage and dedication towards building the community and sustaining what we call cultural.”

The traditional leader's message placed emphasis on discipline, respect and responsible behaviour as young people return to their families and communities.

VaRemba identity and ancestral traditions

The Sun That Never Sets founder Allan Mupandasekwa said the VaRemba community's cultural practices remain an important part of its identity.

“The Lemba people have remained rooted to the ways of their ancestors who walked the land before history books took shape,” he said.

According to Mupandasekwa, the VaRemba community is organised into 12 ancestral houses Seremani, Sharifu, Hassan, Madi, Hatibu, Dumha, Hamis, Sadik, Imaan, Tawakali, Hajj and Bakari. He said the community's oral traditions connect these ancestral houses to Abraham and trace the VaRemba's origins to Sena in Yemen.

He also highlighted circumcision as a sacred covenant maintained across generations, describing it as an important link between faith, culture and identity. The Mberengwa ceremony therefore served not only as a graduation for the 312 initiates, but also as a public affirmation of the VaRemba community's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.