President of the Republic of Malawi Dr Lazarus Chakwera has hailed cultural groupings in the country, saying they are critical in preserving peace, unity and culture for national development.
The president said this on Saturday during the commemoration of this year’s Umthetho Cultural Festival of Mzimba Ngonis at Hora Heritage Centre in Mzimba District.
The festival was celebrated under the theme ‘Tradition, a catalyst for Unity to Fight Climate Change.
He said: “I am grateful to the Inkosi M’mbelwa V and all the Ngoni people of Mzimba for organising this colourful event which has brought people of different tribes to come together to celebrate culture and how we can develop as a country.
“Unity is what this country needs if we are to achieve and fulfil the aspirations of Malawi 2063 goals. Therefore, it is important for all of us to stand together in unity and solidarity.”
President Chakwera said his government wants to develop cultural places such as Hora Heritage Centre through his government tourism master-plan.
In his address, Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V commended President Chakwera for gracing the occasion saying this year’s festival also marked his 10 year reign as Inkosi M’mbelwa V.
The Ngoni chief then underscored the importance of citizen engagement in community development, which he said is vital in promoting unity, culture and environment.
M’mbelwa V then urged all Ngoni people and Malawians to engage in environmental preservation.
Inkosi M’mbelwa then urged all politicians to prevent politics from castigating each other but encouraged them to conduct their campaigns peacefully in the upcoming 2025 general election to preserve the outstanding peace.
In his speech, Mzimba Heritage Foundation board of trustees Dr Boyson Mzondi Moyo said the theme for 2024 Umthetho underscores the commitment of the Ngoni People to environmental conservation.
He said Mzimba District has not been spared from the effects of climate change, characterised by erratic rainfall, floods and extreme temperatures hence the call to fight climate change.
Among others, Former Vice President Khumbo Kachali, Speaker of National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara, Leader of Opposition George Chaponda, various cabinet ministers, the Prince of the KwaZulu-Natal who represented King MisuZulu KaZwelithini of South Africa, Inkosi Zulu Gama from Tanzania, Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mpezeni V from Zambia, Paramount Chiefs from Malawi and other top government officials attended.
