CRUISE 5 ON MBENJE ISLAND SALIMA 13 NOVEMBER 2022

A visit to Mbenje Island off Chikombe Beach in Salima. This island is no ordinary place. In the past, men would report meeting apparitions, including of naked women, while on fishing expeditions. Others noticed that whenever someone killed a snake, which are endemic on island, violent storms would soon follow. To calm the spirits and bring peace, the island’s chiefs started offering sacrifices and initiating new traditions. Today’s descendants of Mbenje’s settlers mostly live in Chikombe, a thriving business centre across the lake in the mainland.
While over-fishing and the climate crisis have contributed to dwindling catches elsewhere in Lake Malawi, the waters around Mbenje remain abundant with fish - something many attribute to the maintenance of the traditions established long ago and handed down generation to generation ever since. Fishermen have to follow some strict rules. Senior Chief Makanjila, keeper of the tradition, is considered a messenger for the gods. It is him who sets the specific date for the re-opening in consultation with spirits and recent weather patterns. Sometimes he delegates trusted assistants to offer sacrifices to the island’s spirits.
On the island animals and colourful birds coexist with the people. It is prohibited to kill any wildlife, including snakes. Stealing, drinking alcohol and smoking are punishable by banishment for the rest of the fishing season. No women are allowed. On the island they believe that God first created the animals and plants, and then created a man to look after them. They believe that those who don’t take care of the wildlife will be answerable before the creator.
Malawian officials describe Mbenje as iconic. The government has begun supporting and even trying to emulate its practices elsewhere. They call it “participatory fisheries management”. They praise the community’s policing of illegal fishing and its tradition of closing completely for four months of the year. By contrast other areas only restrict fishing with bigger nets for two months.

[@stanem]

We gat alot of beautiful and amazing places here in Malawi...Malawi government let's get use of these islands...it's a blessing having one of them in Malawi

[@boazbanda8926]

This video consists of many things, Tourism, Fish Industry and African Spirituality, I love it

[@CharlesJeremiah-i2k]

Mr Chakhaza timakunyadilani kwambiriiiiiiiiiiii chifukwa cha mafunso anu abwino

[@harrisonmatope-sh1jb]

Nkhani yochititsa chidwi

[@manueldacosta2841]

Very interesting,next time I come home to visit I will make a trip there if permission will be granted.

[@mathambojere8914]

mbiri ngati izi ndizofunika kumalemba

[@emilyb9182]

I love how he's so passionate about the history of the islands and preserving the culture.. its nice to watch.

[@keziahmbekeani2580]

We did not see the snakes! But the chief is very articulate and Joab asked all the relevant questions. Great programme

[@janenkhwazi2457]

I love your conversation Mr Frank Chakhaza

[@iPrinceoflove]

Joab continue uploading here on TH-cam and please upload order episodes, enafe we are addicted to TH-cam

[@foleialamassauco]

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[@mwale1154]

Better land 🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲

[@solomonlungu2549]

mbenje island the place to visit again. stayed there 6 months in 2014

[@BdhfbHdhe-pd7nh]

I like yo leadership.Mfumu yanga

[@Me-ht8oo]

Can you please add English subtitles 😂😂😂 my friends are always interested when I’m watching your videos but they don’t understand

[@daviekunsiya8091]

What a beautiful place in my mother Malawi, home to job resevour in the fishing industry..tourism juction..

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[@Calycious_Loves]

Taphuzila nawo. Komatu mwawamana nyimbo

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My beautiful country my Africa

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Pamudzi peni peni mumakwana achakhala 🤍🤍
Keep it up the good work 💪🏻💪🏻

[@paramountcommodities3236]

Malawi,,the warm heart of Africa

[@danielantoniomsutu8736]

I mostly like the information given by group village head Man

[@kefasimatiki]

Amazing stories

[@SheenahMwalabu-iz3pr]

Joab pa mowapo tichedwepo 😅😅

[@hanafi4766]

I wish to see this many JB good job brother

[@مصباحالخير-ش9ذ]

warm heart of Africa

[@jacobnkhoma8604]

Amazing,,

[@HaroonNyangulu]

Wabodza mfumu mpilingidzo. Nyangulu was not mwana Makanjila. Makanjila anamaba ufumu wa Nyangulu.

[@williammoyenda7378]

My beautiful country (mw)

[@stevephaka9253]

That's my homeland MW

[@Froncyyy]

Malawi akanakhala ndi anthu ngati inu mfumu bwezi moyo ndiwokoma

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[@JamesNyirongo]

nice place and unique

[@SheenahMwalabu-iz3pr]

Uku ndikafikako basi ❤

[@harrismsikiti8218]

Pandisangalatsa ndi pa Anti-corruption bureau

[@salimzubair388]

kkkkkkkk ndipasen madzi ndsakomoke

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🤣🤣🤣🤣 sukula bwino mchimwene or Weather akut ...🤭🤭

[@victorkazembe9631]

❤it as malawian.

[@maimounaabdulazi4343]

Malo awa ndi abwino tourism,forex ikusowa ija iyi apa,koma vuto ndi poor mind 😙

[@mwale1154]

Butter land

[@MarkChundah]

Apo ntchito ikuphesani ndithu kkk

[@rasulrayman4517]

Eti kumaphika nsima ndiwo zake usanagwire🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jumasalim1219]

Chukombe

[@grecianchakwera]

Waoh joab here in nkhotakota north constituency we have an so we want to communicate with immediate

[@salimzubair388]

chuma chadziko lamawi

[@peterbanda7003]

Aaaaa mbuzi 10 aaaaaa zaziiii

[@dongosolomadisy1697]

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mumandivesa kukoma ine pano

[@peterbanda7003]

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[@peterbanda7003]

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[@issaikra2103]

Aaa

[@paramountcommodities3236]

Malawi,,the warm heart of Africa