Thousands of people from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique gathered at Mkaika Chewa headquarters in Katete, Zambia on Saturday, to pay homage to Chewa Chief, Kalonga Gawa Undi at the annual Kulamba traditional Ceremony.
The ceremony aims at among other things celebrating the Chewa culture through Cchewa rites and traditional dances.
Speaking on behalf of the Malawi government, Minister for Civic Education, Community Development And Culture, Cecilia Chazama said the Kulamba ceremony has promoted identity of the Chewas in the three countries.
“Malawi government attaches great importance to Kulamba ceremony because it helps in the preservation and promotion of culture in the country,” she added.
She said the cultural exchange visits between the chewas of the three countries has also helped instill discipline in the youths.
Chazama applauded the Kalonga Gawa Undi, King of the Chewa people, for discouraging harmful cultural practices such as wife inheritance (Chokolo) and fisi in a bid to prevent the spread of HIV and Aids.
“This is in line with the government of Malawi’s stance of eliminating all undesirable cultural practices which are not productive to the society,” she said.
She also said government commends the Chewa chief for encouraging girls’ education and discouraging early marriages as one of the tools for development.
By Sarah Munthali
Source: Malawi Minister Hails Chewa Kulamba Traditional Ceremony – allAfrica.com
