By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, July 21 – Today, the nation mourns the loss of a true leader and visionary, His Royal Highness Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta. As the traditional ruler presiding over Mulobezi, Sesheke, and Mwandi districts of Barotseland, western Zambia, Chief Inyambo Yeta’s reign was marked by transformative initiatives and progressive reforms.
Born the second son of the late King of Barotseland, Litunga Ilute Yeta IV (1977-2000), Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta ascended to the throne in September 1977. His reign began at the tender age of 23, after completing his law studies at the Universities of Swaziland and Edinburgh, Scotland, where he earned an honors degree in LLB.
Chief Inyambo Yeta’s impact on Barotseland was profound, as he passionately advocated for development and empowerment projects targeting the youth, women, and Indunas at Mwandi Kuta. His forward-thinking approach led to a number of significant projects and collaborations, aiming to uplift his people and preserve their cultural heritage.
Among his notable achievements was the establishment of the Inyambo Development Trust Fund, designed to spearhead projects in Mwandi, Sesheke, and Mulobezi districts. He also initiated the creation of the Mwandi Cultural Center, which aimed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Barotseland to visitors and tourists.
Chief Inyambo Yeta was deeply committed to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. He played a key role in rehabilitating the Silowana (Sioma) National Park, securing funds for the project, and engaging the Peace Parks Foundation to ensure its success. Moreover, his joint program called SIMALAHA Community Conservancy, in collaboration with Chief Sekute, aimed at empowering local communities through shared wildlife resources.
In 2013, Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta embarked on the 5 Star Royal Mwandi Lodge project and spearheaded fish hatching initiatives that had the potential to supply a significant portion of Zambia’s annual fish fingering requirements.
His passion for development led him to lobby for government support, and the Inyambo Community Development Trust received a loan of K3.3 million to boost fish production at the Mwandi Integrated Fish Farm project.
Additionally, Chief Inyambo Yeta was a proponent of sustainable resource management, introducing timber stamps in every area Induna to ensure that each village benefited from its natural resources.
Beyond his dedication to local initiatives, he engaged with international partners to protect the region’s wildlife, introducing artificial traditional attire for men during Kuomboka ceremonies in Limulunga, Nalolo, and Libonda Royal Villages.
Chief Inyambo Yeta’s passing comes as a significant loss to Barotseland, not only for his leadership and development efforts but also for his extensive knowledge of the region’s cultural heritage and legal expertise.
In 2012, during the Barotse National Council (BNC), Mwandi Kuta voted for the independence of Barotseland, showcasing the Chief’s commitment to his people’s aspirations.
Throughout his life, Chief Inyambo Yeta remained true to his values, having once served as a lawyer and as MMC for UNIP party. Despite briefly acting as the president of UNIP party, he resigned from active politics after the introduction of the chiefs’ act, which prohibited their participation in Zambian politics.
His Royal Highness Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta passed away in the early hours of today at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka, where he had gone for a medical review.
His departure marks the third loss of a senior chief in Barotseland within the past half year, following the passing of Chief Amukena II in December 2022 and her Royal Highness Mulena Mboanjikana in February 2023. The nation also mourns the loss of Chief Mwene Kandala since March 2020.- Namibia Daily News
Source: Mwebantu
