By Wanangwa Tembo
KATETE-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera has praised the Kulamba traditional ceremony, held in Zambia, as a powerful symbol of unity among the Chewa people from Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
Speaking Saturday at the ceremony at Mkaika Village in the Zambia’s Eastern Province district of Katete, Chakwera stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage in promoting peace and unity amongst cultural diverse communities.
“The Kulamba ceremony is a uniting event that showcases our rich cultural heritage and brings together many people.
“In that way, this ceremony helps us reflect on our culture as a tool for promoting peace and unity, which are catalysts for development,” Chakwera said.
Thousands of people, including Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, gathered at Mkaika Village to witness the Chewa’s biggest cultural stage which is used to pay homage to their Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi.
It pulls together at least 200 chiefs from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, and thousands of Chewa speaking communities who pay tribute to Gawa Undi, highlighting the unity and traditions of the Chewa people.
While celebrating the occasion, President Chakwera also spoke against perpetuation of harmful cultural practices, such as child marriages, calling on chiefs to only promote customs that protect the rights and well-being of children.
The President also asked the gathering to pray for peaceful September 16 General Elections in Malawi.
In his address, President Hichilema hailed Paramount Chief Gawa Undi and all other chiefs in the three countries for sustaining the Kulamba Ceremony, saying the cultural event has helped to unite people and promote tourism.
In his remarks, Gawa Undi commended the three countries for ensuring peace and coexistence, which he said have helped allow for the organisation of the cultural event.
“We can’t organise a ceremony of this magnitude if there is no peace.
“I therefore commend all the three countries for the peace that is there, and I, also, implore the leadership to ensure that there is continued peace,” the chief said.
Gawa Undi also noted that the three countries face similar challenges of food shortages due to climate change, and therefore, he called on the leaders to invest in irrigation and promote adoption of new farming techniques.
In their homage, chiefs from Malawi hailed President Chakwera as a visionary leader who has initiated diverse development projects for the people of Malawi.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, Chewa Heritage Foundation officials in Malawi, and various chiefs, also attended the event.
