Matiya Ngalande
| Born | 2 June 1932 Kabemba village, North-Western Province, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Occupation | Politician, diplomat, freedom fighter |
| Years active | |
| Known for | First UNIP MP for Kasempa after independence; freedom fighter and diplomat |
| Notable work | |
| Awards | |
| Children |
Matiya Ngalande (2 June 1932 – 11 February 2026) was a Zambian veteran politician, diplomat and freedom fighter who played a significant role in the country’s early post-independence governance. He was the first United National Independence Party (UNIP) member of Parliament for Kasempa after Zambia gained independence in 1964 and later served in a number of diplomatic positions representing Zambia abroad.
Early life and career
Matiya Ngalande was born on 2 June 1932 in Kabemba village in Kasempa, North-Western Province, to Kabemba and Mandona Ngalande. He began his career as a teacher at Mutanda Mission School in Kasempa before moving into public administration, serving as clerk at the Provincial Administration at the Ndola Municipal Council from 1955 to 1956 in the Northern Rhodesia government.
Political career
Ngalande’s political involvement began with his leadership role in the opposition African National Congress under Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula in 1957, becoming provincial president. After the formation of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) in 1959, he joined the party and was appointed divisional president for North-Western Province.
Following Zambia’s independence from British colonial rule in 1964, Ngalande became the first member of Parliament for Kasempa Constituency, representing UNIP in the National Assembly.
In 1968, he was appointed Minister of State for Luapula Province, where he was involved in provincial governance and development.
Diplomatic career
In addition to his domestic political roles, Ngalande served in Zambia’s diplomatic corps. His diplomatic career included:
- ‘’’1966’’’ – Zambia High Commissioner to Ghana.
- ‘’’1966–1967’’’ – Zambia High Commissioner to Nigeria.
- ‘’’1970–1974’’’ – Ambassador to Egypt.
- ‘’’1974–1975’’’ – High Commissioner to Kenya.
- ‘’’1979’’’ – Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
These postings made him a key figure in projecting Zambia’s interests and strengthening bilateral relationships across Africa and the Middle East during pivotal years of foreign policy development.
Later life and death
In later years, Ngalande continued to be regarded as a respected elder statesman and freedom fighter.
He passed away in the early hours of 11 February 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, at the age of 93. He was survived by a wife and 8 children.
Legacy
As a freedom fighter, first MP for Kasempa after independence, and an ambassador to several nations, he helped shape both the domestic and foreign policy foundations of the newly independent state. His career spanned political, administrative and diplomatic spheres, reflecting decades of service.
