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[african-international-magazine]

The N’cwala ceremony- FASHION

It is N’cwala season again and the fashion is giving. N’cwala is an annual traditional ceremony since 1980 by the Ngoni tribe. This year N’cwala Ceremony 2024 dates 22nd, 23rd and 24th February 2024 In Mtenguleni, eastern province, Zambia.

N’cwala is an event meant to pay homage to the chief of the Ngoni, chief Mpezeni and to their ancestral spirits, for fresh fruits and food and to commemorate their victories during their tribal wars when they migrated from the current day, KwaZulu-Natal of South Africa (home of Shaka).

Traditional ceremonies have capturing fashion aside the meanings and histories linked them .The Ngoni people as well as the guests and tourists of the event all garb a history oriented fashion of rich material made from real animal’s mostly wild cats. This culture or trend has never changed since the forever. The animal skin material is worn from head raps, shoulder scarfs, while leaving the strong African chests exposed by both the men and women and finished off with shorts skirts. The N’cwala ceremony fashion is accessorized with animal skin anklets, beaded ornaments, shields and royal staff. It has also spiced up by traditional makeup.

What makes this fashion even more interesting is that it is the original ‘animal print fashion’. The animal print fashion is one seen in all fashion corners across the globe.

Animal printed fashion is not uncommonly seen in the fashion world and modernized to diverse apparel yet the Ngoni people have this fashion in their originality and culture and it is richly paraded at the N’cwala ceremony alongside the dances and other rich cultured practices.

The Ngoni’s N’cwala ceremony fashion is one seen by other groups of people in southern Africa like some parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and most popularly the Zulu people of South Africa by historical the shaka.

Social media and the Zambian social environment has since been painted with animal skin attires during this N’cwala season.

However the cultural fashion has been distorted over years with affluence of decency by modern moral beliefs, whitewashing, societal norms among others.

[african-international-magazine]

Cleaning Up Zambia With Kachana 

Midway through 2024, I had the privilege of speaking with Kelvin Kachana, the visionary CEO and Founder of K.K. Services Zambia Ltd., for The African International Magazine. As a young entrepreneur and environmental health specialist, Kachana’s story speaks to resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of environmental stewardship.

From a humble beginning to leading a cleaning company with a presence in Zambia’s _Copperbelt and Southern Provinces_ , Kachana has embraced the challenge of creating a cleaner and healthier Zambia. His story is as much about personal conviction as it is about collective action.

 A Vision Born of Passion 

Asked what inspired him to establish K.K. Services Zambia Ltd., Kachana’s answer was simple yet profound: “ _It is the passion and drive I had for environmental stewardship and a desire to give back to the community in a special way._ ” This mission is deeply embedded in the company’s DNA—promoting environmental hygiene, sustainable waste management, and ensuring that communities thrive in a clean, healthy environment.

Kachana’s company doesn’t just talk about environmental preservation; it leads by example. Among their notable initiatives is a program dedicated to empowering young girls. Ten percent of K.K. Services’ monthly profits go toward educating girls on menstrual hygiene and ensuring they can attend school with dignity and confidence. “ _We want to ensure that no girl child misses school because of a lack of knowledge or resources,_ ” Kachana explained.

Additionally, the company is a proud participant in Zambia’s _Keep Zambia Clean and Green Campaign_ . Every Friday, K.K. Services collaborates with local councils to clean public spaces and promote waste management awareness. These activities extend beyond immediate impact, embedding a culture of sustainability in the communities they serve.

 Educating for Change 

K.K. Services integrates climate literacy into its operations by conducting workshops and awareness campaigns in schools, markets, and corporate spaces. These sessions focus on waste management and environmental stewardship, addressing the small but significant practices that contribute to the global climate crisis.

Through their efforts, local schools and markets are increasingly adopting recycling and proper waste disposal methods. “ _We’re seeing a positive change_ ,” Kachana noted, “ _with more institutions willingly working with us to sustain these practices_ .”

 Overcoming the Odds 

Building a business in Zambia comes with its share of challenges, and Kachana’s experience has been no exception. Financial management and gaining community trust were early hurdles. “ _It wasn’t easy convincing people to believe in our vision and the professionalism of our services_ ,” he admitted.

But his response to adversity has been rooted in faith and learning. _“I asked God for wisdom and guidance, and I took time to study how other business owners succeeded_ ,” he said. “ _Reading and learning from others proved invaluable_ .”

 Transforming Waste into Wealth

Among K.K. Services’ most exciting projects is the _Smart Waste Management Care initiative_ . This innovative program repurposes waste into environmentally friendly products like charcoal briquettes made from agricultural residues such as maize stalks and groundnut shells. These briquettes are smokeless and carbon-free, offering an eco-friendly alternative for cooking, warming, and brooding.

“ _This project aligns with our goal of fighting climate change_ ,” Kachana explained. “ _We hope to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations to expand its impact_ .”

 A Call to Action 

Kachana’s message to readers is one of collective responsibility: “Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation efforts and sustainable practices. It takes you and me to support local companies and initiatives that prioritize sustainability.”

For Kachana, promoting environmental stewardship demands more than awareness; it requires action, governance, and collaboration. “Together, we can ensure a healthy and prosperous future for the environment and society,” he emphasized.

 Joining the Movement

K.K. Services Zambia Ltd. invites individuals and organizations to join their mission by engaging their services, supporting their initiatives, and spreading the message of environmental stewardship. Every partnership strengthens the company’s ability to educate, empower, and create sustainable change.

Kachana’s work is proof that with determination, faith, and a commitment to community, even the smallest steps can lead to monumental change. Through K.K. Services Zambia, he is not only cleaning up Zambia but also inspiring a generation to reimagine its role in preserving the planet.

[african-international-magazine]