It must be explained in the literal meaning and in the traditional context as follows:

Establishment refers to a set of people according to the number and order of eminence or that which is established. Establishment in Great Britain refers to those persons in positions of power and authority, who are not publicly elected. So literally Royal establishment means a set-up of persons from the Royal family.

The Barotse Royal Establishment, therefore means the set of people who come from the royal family in Barotseland; having positions of power according to their eminence or seniority in descending or ascending order; in accordance with Barotse Tradition.

From the foregone, the Barotse Royal Establishment thus refers to the cities of the royal family members with authority according to seniority as follows:

Collectively, these for sake of English usage are what constitute the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), excluding the commoners who serve as counsellors.

The moment the word Government is used, what is referred to is not the royal family set-up but the traditional leaders who constitute a traditional authority in Barotseland. Sometimes people tend to think that the BRE refers to the Litunga and Namuso Kuta; which is a misconception; the royal establishment is an institution of Lords.

The people in charge of BRE are the Natamoyo and Ngula. Although BRE is more pronounced by people who are not conversant with Barotseland; BRE can never be found in any book of history.

1.    Litunga – which means Earth or Country; is the Head of State
2.    Ngambele – means “talk to me” one through which the King talks to people or through which people talk to the King; nowadays the word is written as Ngambela, and he is also called:
3.    Minyolui, which means owner of all people (the Aluyi)

4.    The nobles:

i.    Natamoyo (Muywandi) meaning redeemer
ii.    Kalonga – one who commands
iii.    Namuyamba – the overall leader (second the Sope)
iv.    Namunda – responsible for regalia and other sovenirs of the Ngocana.
v.    Mukulu wa Kashiko – Elder of Kashiko; Kashiko is Lilundu City of King Mulambwa; he represents Tungi people.
vi.    Imandi – Elder of Namanda City of Yeta 1.
vii.    Angulu – Responsible for Land.
viii.    Mubonda – means faulty finder or (inspector or executor)

LOWER COURT

1.    INETE – responsible for traditional affairs in Mongu District.
2.    Namamba – Sope’s right hand.
3.    IMWANGALA – environment (forest)
4.    ITONDO – environment (water and fish)
5.    MAYUNYI – environment (water)
6.    INGANGWANA – Chief Steward (royal house)
7.    MULAMATAA – catering Dept.
8.    MUTWALETI – means one who paves way or guides the King.

This is the proper traditionally recognized system.

The truth of the matter is that the King the symbol of national unity.

The positions below the Litunga are generally referred to as Indunas; councillors (cabinet). This is the system where administrators are judges; sometimes referred to as the Kuta which is court.

The Indunas have the authority to perform and function as traditional leaders, to ensure that traditional norms and customs are adhered to. All the people of Barotseland know very well the role and task of every Induna (privy counsellors).

By traditional practices some rituals, rites and ceremonies are sometimes performed when installing these people to positions.

In summary, these people are the custodians of the Barotse Tradition and Culture.

N.B. Not all positions are included, the idea is to get a glimpse of the Barotseland State, to enable us know where we are coming from and where we are going.

There is no separate and independent Royal Establishment in Barotseland. it must be noted that since BRE is an institution of Lords, there is a distinction between BRE and the Kuta; Kuta refers to Government system. As the Kuta is an organ of the Government; there are several Kutas; each with a person called Ngambele; of course each has a special name different from the other Court.

Considering that the term court is commonly used, it is prudent therefore to refer to traditional structure as a system of courts. In fact in a typical language the people say “sichaba sa tokwahala kwa Kuta” meaning people to assemble at court. So in this context, we shall consider Namuso as the seat of the Higher Court and those below Namuso as seats of subordinate courts or seats of superior and subsidiary councils.

N.B. the noble ranks are either hereditary or honorary.

Ngula is a female princess.

Natamoyo is a male prince.

The Royal prerogative - These have exceptional powers and privileges of the sovereign in virtue of (Litunga) King.

Privy Council: a committee of persons appointed by the sovereign advising on some state of affairs.