The month of April brings joy and sadness to the Yeke collective memory. On April 7, 1940, the Mwami Kitanika Mabumba Mushalila Numa passed away in Bunkeya. On April 26, of the same year, his younger brother, prince Mutampuka Munongo would succeed him and take on the reigning name of Mwami Mwenda Musanfya Ntanga. Sixteen years later, on April 24, 1956, Mwami Musanfya Ntanga passed away.

In the month of April, we also commemorate the death of Mwanangwa Symphorien Mutampuka Munongo, who passed away on April 24, 2002. The Mwanangwa Sympho, as he was commonly known, left us a lot of memories, as well as five children: Gilles, Richard, Clothilde, Claudia and Diane. The Mwanangwa Sympho is sorely missed. He died at 44 years of age. 

On the night of January 24, 2013, a group of Mai Mai rebels entered in the village of Bunkeya. They demanded to see the authorities. After a brief standoff, Bunkeya Police officers opened fire killing 3 of them. As they fled the village, they stopped at Mwanangwa Kalasa Mushikamina's dwelling. They tortured him and left him badly wounded and bleeding profusely. Regrettably, the Mwanangwa died of his wounds the following day. 

The Mwami Mwenda Bantu Kaneranera deplores these events and the loss of this brave prince.

May God bring peace to Katanga and comfort those who have lost loved ones needlessly. 

On Friday, November 20, 1925, Mwami Mwenda M'siri Shyombeka Godefroid Munongo was born in Bunkeya.  He was the son of Mwami Mwenda Munongo Musanfya Ntanga and the Mugoli Lwebo lwa Nkolomba.  After an illustrious career in politics, Godefroid Munongo became king of the Bayeke in 1976.  He would reign until May 28, 1992, the day he passed away after succumbing to an alleged heart attack at the National Sovereign Conference.

On October 15, 1997, Mwami Mwenda M'siri Mwemera Christian Munongo passed away in Lubumbashi, Katanga.  This year is the 15th anniversary of his death.

Mwami Mwemera ruled for five years before he was abruptly taken from us.  We will always remember Mwami Mwemera's generosity, confidence, the wisdom of his smile and his love of our people.

On October 19, 2012, Mwami Mwemera would have celebrated his fifty-seventh birthday.  He was 41 years old when he passed away.

Mwanangwa Etienne Kalasa Munongo
May 27, 1941 - October 8, 2012

Our Family is very sad to inform you of the passing of Mwanagwa Etienne Kalasa Munongo on October 8, 2012 in Belgium.

The Mwanangwa Etienne Kalasa is the second sonof the late Mwami Luhinda Shalo Antoine Munongo and the Mugoli Virginie Kabuswe.  Following his successful uinversity training in Belgium, Etienne Kalasa returned to the Congo, where he joined the senior staff of Gécamines (GCM).  He would climb the company ladder and was promoted, first to Kinshasa, then Brussels.  After many years of good loyal services, he retired in Belgium where his children were attending school.

Etienne Kalasa is survived by his wife Gabrielle (Gabbie) and his children.  His death leaves a void that cannot be filled.  However, through his children and the family, the memory of Mwanangwa Etienne Kalasa Munongo will live on.

May God welcome his soul in the eternal kingdom!