MZIMBA-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized the importance of mutual respect among the country’s diverse cultural groups, saying it is key to peaceful coexistence and national development.
He made the remarks on Saturday during the Umthetho Festival celebrations at Hora Heritage Centre in Mzimba.
Chakwera noted that although Malawians come from different ethnic backgrounds, unity remains the foundation of the country’s peace and progress.
“We have different tribes in the country, including the Ngoni, Tumbuka, Chewa, Yao, Lhomwe, Sena, and many other cultural groups. Each of these groups has its own customs and traditions. However, what unites us is the fact that we are all Malawians,” he said.
The president then made a call to various companies to join hands in developing Hora Heritage Site into a top tourist attractions site.
“Hora is a great place and i appeal to companies to join hands with Mzimba Heritage Association to develop the area. The road coming to Hora will be worked on and improved so that those coming here will have no problems travelling here,” said Chakwera.
On his part, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, reaffirmed government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, describing it as a catalyst for both peace and development.
In his remarks, Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V described Umthetho as a significant celebration of heritage, unity, and pride for the Ngoni people.
M’mbelwa thanked Chakwera who is also the Malawi Congress Party(MCP )’s torchbearer for the September 16, 2025 general elections for choosing Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba as his running mate.
He said the decision reflects Chakwera’s recognition and appreciation of the Northern Region’s contribution to national development.
