Malanje - The 45th Sovereign of the Kingdom of Ndongo and Matamba, Luís Ngola Njungo “Diba Ngola Njungo”, was officially presented on Friday, in Malanje Province, to the governmental authorities and the population, nine months after his enthronement.
The king replaces Buba Nvula Dalamana “King Cabombo”, who died in October 2023, due to illness.
The presentation was guided by the secretary of State for Culture, Maria da Piedade de Jesus, and was attended by members of the royal court, the king of Bailundo, king Ekuikui VI, the Lundas king, king Mwatchissengue Watembo, the Bakongo kingdom, king António Charle Muana Uta, and Porto Amboim king, Ngana Lunga IX.
Deputies to the National Assembly, judicial and Public Prosecutor's Office magistrates, religious authorities, academics, artists, among others, were also present.
On the occasion, the secretary of State for Culture reiterated the ongoing partnership between the government and traditional authorities in promoting the country's social and economic development and improving the population's living conditions.
Maria da Piedade de Jesus recognized the central role that the kingdom played in the fight against the colonial yoke, the result of her bravery and determination, values that she considers essential to transmit to the younger generations.
She also praised the kingdom's intervention in ensuring harmony in communities and defending the country's characteristic cultural values.
In turn, the provincial governor of Malanje, Marcos Nhunga, recognized that the Kingdom of Ndongo and Matamba occupies a prominent place in the history of Angola and Africa, as it has always asserted itself as an exemplary institution before, during and after the colonial invasion, currently representing the country's identity traits internally and across borders.
For this reason, he stated that Ndongo and Matamba is a traditional institution that must be honored and respected, not only for its role in the fight against the colonial system, but also for the power that has always been linked to the unity of the people in different phases of the country's history.
He also highlighted the kingdom's actions in resolving ethnic, political and social problems, in addition to preserving identity and cultural heritage.
Marcos Nhunga wished it to be a reign based on the spirit of unity, solidarity and love for others, having expressed his desire to see the relationship between the State and traditional authorities strengthened, with a view to sustainable development and the social inclusion of communities.
The King's Profile
Luís Ngola Njungo “Diba Ngola Njungo” was born on December 23, 1955, in Kizela village, municipality of Cahombo. He is a descendant of Mudile Andombo Amana, one of the five mothers of the Ngola lineage.
He has a high school course in Teacher Training and has held, among other functions, municipal commissioner of Cahombo, deputy of the then Popular Assembly of Malanje (1986-1991), political head of the ODP (Popular Defense Organization) Detachment in the sector de Kizela (1976-1979) and political head of the third Company of the Reserve Battalion of the Popular Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA).
The Kingdom of Ndongo and Matamba was founded at the beginning of the 16th century by Ngola Kiluanje and has since been taken over by Nginga Mbande, Ngola Mbande, Mbingue Mbande, Matamba and others belonging to the Ngola lineage.
The kingdom comprises the provinces of Malanje, Cuanza-Norte, Luanda and Bengo.
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