Mzimba (formerly Kathibi, original Chitumbuka name) is a district in the Northern Region of Malawi. The capital is Mzimba and the biggest town is Mzuzu, which is also the administrative headquarters of the Northern Region. The district covers an area of 10,473 km2 and has a population of 1,017,701 (2023). It is the largest district in Malawi. The district is inhabited by Tumbuka people. Chitumbuka is the predominant language spoken in the district.
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Geography
The district's diverse landscape features the Viphya Mountains that stretch across its southern and eastern regions, while the central area is occupied by the Mzimba Plain. The South Rukuru River and its tributaries flow through the plain, draining into the nearby basin. The district's western border shares a boundary with Zambia, marked by a low divide separating the South Rukuru basin from the Luangwa River basin.
Government
Since 2009, there are twelve National Assembly constituencies in Mzimba:
Divisions
The district is divided into 13 sub-divisions, each with its characteristics. These include Senior Chief Jaravikuba Munthali, Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve, TA Mpherembe, TA Mtwalo, Mzuzu City, TA Chindi, SC Kampingo Sibande, Mzimba Boma, TA M'Mbelwa, TA Mzikubola, TA Mzukuzuku, SC Khosolo Gwaza Jere, and TA Mabulabo.
Demographics
At the time of the 2018 Census of Malawi, the distribution of the population of Mzimba District by ethnic group was as follows: 78.3% Tumbuka, 9.1% Chewa, 6.3% Ngoni, 1.4% Lomwe, 1.1% Yao, 1.0% Tonga, 0.9% Sukwa, 0.4% Lambya, 0.3% Nkhonde, 0.1% Sena, 0.1% Mang'anja, 0.1% Nyanja and 0.8% others.
Cities in Mzimba District
Mzimba (capital)
Mzuzu
Ekwendeni
Culture
The district consists of people of Tumbuka with their cultural dance (Vimbuza) origin. And also, descendants of Ngoni people from South Africa with their Cultural Dance (Ingoma). However, the main language spoken is chiTumbuka. The district headquarters is at Mzimba. It is also the centre of netball in Malawi, Malawi's most successful sport. Most of the players in the national team, including international star Mwayi Kumwenda were born and grew up in Mzimba.
Notable people
Mwayi Kumwenda (1989–), a netball player for the Malawi national team.
Goodall Gondwe, former Minister of Finance of Malawi
Rose Chibambo, Malawian politician
Jane Chimaliro, a netball player for the Malawi national team.
Tamika Mkandawire, former professional footballer
Brighton Munthali, a Malawian professional footballer
Towera Vinkhumbo, a netball player for the Malawi national team
Bridget Kumwenda, a netball player for the Malawi national team
Nyokase Madise a radio broadcaster, producer and journalist
Anita Chitaya a smallholder farmer, community organiser and climate activist