An investigation of the view that the chisungu rite has nothing positive to offer to the Bemba culture: a case of Shibwalya Kapila chiefdom.

The study explored the investigation of the view that the Chisungu rite has nothing positive
to offer to the Bemba Culture. A case of Shibwalya Kapila Chiefdom in Lunte District. In
doing so, there was deep interrogation in terms of the description of Chisungu rite and how
it is conducted, its contributions to the Bemba culture and ways of how Chisungu can be
more effective in the enhancement of the Bemba culture were suggested. The study
employed a case study design to collect, analyze and interpret the data. The qualitative
approach was used in order to provide an in-depth description of what the research intended
to achieve. Data collection protocol mainly involved the interview guide, and focus group
discussion guide. The population comprised of 30 respondents of whom 10 were initiated
girls (16 to 20 years of age), 10 initiated women (21 to 40 years of age) and 10 women
initiators (Aged above 40 years). Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents in
order to select relevant participants who are active and directly linked to Chisungu
initiation ceremony. Data was analyzed using emerging themes.
The study established that Chisungu rite played a major role in the Bemba tradition
contrary to the view that it has nothing positive to offer to the Bemba culture. The Chisungu
initiation rite transmitted values and traditions of the Bemba culture from generation to
generation. Chisungu helped girls to be moulded into persons who are morally and socially
upright in that girls were taught to respect elders and how to behave in the community.
Chisungu initiation rite was part of the Bemba cultural heritage and was a way of
preserving values, norms and customs of the Bemba people. The Chisungu rite also helped
in strengthening of family ties in that it brought families and relatives together. The study
recommends that Chisungu should delay teachings on marriage and reserve them until the
girl is mature enough and ready for marriage. The study also recommends that whipping
and pinching of initiates during initiation should be avoided in order to allow more girls to
be initiated and learn the values and traditions of the Bemba culture.
KEY WORDS: Chisungu, Bemba, Culture, Rite, Shibwalya Kapila, Lunte