The Community of Bweengwa in southern Zambia has been celebrating the appointment of the Commonwealth Secretary-General as their Chief Headwoman.
The honour was bestowed on the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC by the Lundwe-speaking people of Monze District, in the south of the country.
She received the title at a traditional installation ceremony attended by dignitaries from across the country, including Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema and His Royal Highness Chief Hamusonde.
In an enthusiastic time-honoured welcome, the community welcomed the Secretary General with traditional dances and the beating of drums.
The ceremony reflects the community's historic and deep connection with cattle, reflected in their dance movements which mimic the behaviour of their herd.
Dancers dressed specially for the occasion - the men in earth-toned robes, while the women wore vibrant ‘chi tenge’ fabrics wrapped around their waists.
His Royal Highness Chief Hamusonde, also in traditional costume, paired with his intricately carved wooden staff with an ivory lion head to depict his Royal status, welcomed the Secretary-General Scotland and presented her with the Chief Village Headwoman title of `Butumbo,’ or mother of the land.
During the ceremony, the Secretary-General was draped in ceremonial attire to depict her new status in the community- a synthetic tiger skin signifying courage, an impande - or accessorial circular ivory head gear to signify her royal status and was presented an intricately woven wooden staff depicting several animals, to signify her authority.
She was then introduced to her new community, surrounded by her fellow council (25 senior headmen) and her people - the people of Hamusonde.
Accepting the new role, Secretary-General Scotland said:
“This is a beautiful celebration of heritage, resilience, and the profound relationship between people, land, and livestock.
Cattle rearing is not only an economic activity here — it is a way of life, a source of sustenance, and a reflection of the deep connection between this community and the natural world. I know you have faced hard times, especially with drought. The impact on cattle, livelihoods, and families has been significant.
But through adversity, the spirit of this community shines bright.
The focus on maintaining healthy cattle and harnessing the blessings of the river is a testament to your strength, adaptability, and hope for the future.
I would like to express my heartfelt admiration to Chief Hamusonde for this great honour, as well as the Government of Zambia for recognising the value of cultural ceremonies like this one — not only as a means of preserving tradition but also as a bridge to unity, peace, and tourism.”
The prestigious Headwoman title in Zambia’s Monze District reflects the community's deep connection with cattle and the environment.
As well as being a celebration of the area’s long and cherished association with cattle, the event pays homage to ancestral spirits believed to be living along the Lwanza River.
Cattle rearing and herding is a central part of the Lundwe people’s livelihood.
The ceremony also serves as a platform to encourage the community to maintain a healthy balance between cattle rearing and the preservation of land resources.
Special guest of honour and President Hakainde Hichilema, who holds the title of Senior Headsman in the Monze District, thanked the Secretary-General for her role in restoring peace to Zambia.
Earlier, President Hakainde Hichilema had honoured Secretary-General Scotland with the Order of the Eagle of Zambia (2nd Division) in recognition of her contributions to peace and democracy, especially her crucial role in brokering a political settlement in Zambia in 2017.
Media contact
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Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
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