Lewanika III
| Born | 7 February 1888 Lealui, Barotseland |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Northern Rhodesian / Zambian |
| Occupation | Litunga (Paramount Chief of Barotseland) |
| Years active | 1948–1968 |
| Known for | Signatory of the Barotseland Agreement 1964 |
| Notable work | Leadership of the Barotse Royal Establishment during Zambia’s transition to independence |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.) |
| Children |
His Highness Mulena Yomuhulu Mbumu wa Litunga Sir Mwanawina Lewanika III, K.B.E. (7 February 1888 – 4 February 1968) was the Paramount Chief (Litunga) of Barotseland from 1948 until his death in 1968. He was the fifth son of the legendary Lewanika I, and is best remembered as one of the three signatories of the Barotseland Agreement 1964, which defined Barotseland’s position at Zambia’s independence.
Early life and education
Mwanawina was born on 7 February 1888 at Lealui, the royal capital of Barotseland. He was the fifth son of Lewanika I, who ruled Barotseland for nearly four decades and first established the protectorate relationship with Britain. As a prince (Mwana’ Mulena), Mwanawina received a Western-style education at PMS (Paris Missionary Society) schools in Barotseland before proceeding to Lovedale College and later the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
He served as a Councillor of State and Secretary to his father and later to his elder brother, Litunga Yeta III.
Military service and early public life
During the First World War (1916–1918), Mwanawina served as Commander of the Barotse Carriers in the East African campaign. For his service, he was awarded the Allied Victory and British War Medals. Between 1937 and 1948, he held the traditional title of Mulena of Mankoya, exercising significant administrative and customary authority in western Barotseland.
Reign as Litunga (1948–1968)
Mwanawina ascended to the throne in June 1948 after the death of his brother, Litunga Imwiko I, becoming the 22nd Litunga of the Lozi people. His reign marked a period of intense transition, bridging the colonial and post-colonial eras.
He represented Barotseland and Northern Rhodesia at several international occasions, most notably attending the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in 1953, which underscored Barotseland’s distinct diplomatic standing with the British Crown.
On 1 January 1959, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (K.B.E.), henceforth styled as *Sir Mwanawina III*.
The Barotseland Agreement 1964
Sir Mwanawina III’s reign is defined by his role in negotiating the Barotseland Agreement 1964. As independence for Northern Rhodesia approached, he sought to safeguard Barotseland’s autonomy and self-governing structures within the new Zambian state.
On 18 May 1964, in London, he signed the agreement alongside Prime Minister Kenneth Kaunda and the British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, Duncan Sandys. The agreement guaranteed Barotseland a degree of internal self-government, control over land and local institutions, and preservation of the Litunga’s authority under the framework of the independent Republic of Zambia.
However, within a year, the Zambian government enacted legislation such as the Local Government Act of 1965, which effectively dissolved the Barotse Native Government and nullified much of the agreement’s intent. The Constitutional (Amendment) Act of 1969 formally abrogated the agreement, a year after Mwanawina’s death.
Death and legacy
Sir Mwanawina Lewanika III died in 1968 while still on the throne. His death came one year before the formal annulment of the Barotseland Agreement.
He remains a towering historical figure in Lozi and Zambian history, regarded as the last Litunga to formally negotiate Barotseland’s constitutional relationship with Zambia. His legacy continues to shape contemporary debates on Barotseland’s status, autonomy, and cultural identity.
See also
References
- Caplan, G. L. (1970). Barotseland: The Secessionist Challenge in Zambia. Praeger.
- Mutumba Bull, L. (1972). The Kingdom of Barotseland: A Historical Overview. Lusaka: Institute for African Studies.
- The National Archives, UK. (1964). Barotseland Agreement, 1964.
- Roberts, A. D. (1976). A History of Zambia. Heinemann.
