Malawi Congress Party (MCP) vice president Catherine Gotani Hara has hailed people of the two border districts of Chitipa and Karonga for embracing the culture of unity and insatiable desire to promote culture, respect and mutual love.
Hara, who is also Speaker of the National Assembly made the remarks on Saturday at Mbande Hills in Karonga district during the annual Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival.
She said: “Most of the times, culture is regarded as punitive, it instills self discipline and a sense of belonging to Malawians. So, this cultural event is vital as it enhances unity and love among the ethnic tribes of Chitipa and Karonga districts and Malawi as a whole. Therefore, the importance of this cultural festival cannot go unnoticed.”
Gotani Hara also emphasised the need to confide in each other to deal with rising suicide cases, saying in the past, people used to be open to share their problems with friends and neighbours.
“In the past, people used to share their problems to find common solutions. Now, all that his history. People are now confined to their own homes often with no one to confide in,” she added.
In his remarks, Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa districts, reiterated Hara’s sentiments, calling on Malawians to love one another despite cultural diversity and political differences.
“Democracy has now eroded our cultural values and respect, especially towards the elderly. Let us reflect and go back to our roots and start all over again. Unity and respect are crucial for the country’s socio-economic development and prosperity,” he said.
Taking his turn, Karonga-Chitipa Heritage chairperson Malumbo Mwasinga appealed to government for more support for cultural festivals, saying they play critical roles in fostering national unity.
The event, which was the second of its kind and brought together the people of the two districts was celebrated under the theme: “Unity in Diversity, Respect and Justice for All” and was spiced up by traditional dances such as Ndolo, Mwinoghe and Mapenenga.
Patrons also had an opportunity to sample locally prepared dishes such as Mbalagha, Chinaka and Susa.
