Mutharika underscores importance of preserving culture at Mulhako festival

President Peter Mutharika has underscored the importance of preserving culture as one way of strengthening unity among Malawians in the country  for the social-economic advancement of the nation.

Mutharika inspectingtraditional displays at Chonde.-Photo by Abel Ikiloni, Mana
Paramount Chief Ngolongoliwa speaking at the festival.-Photo by Abel Ikiloni, Mana
First Lady confers with former president Bakili Muluzi at Chonde during the festival.-Photo by Abel Ikiloni, Mana
Chairperson of the organising committee for this year’s festival James Chuma making his speech.-Photo by Abel Ikiloni, Mana
President Mutharika greets former president Bakili Muluzi at Mulhako wa Alhomwe festival.-Photo by Abel Ikiloni, Mana

Mutharika made the remarks on Sunday at Chonde in Mulanje during the 11th  Mulhako wa Alhomwe annual festival that was held under the theme: ‘Culture as a unifying tool.’

Mutharika said cultural differences should not divide Malawians but rather fortify the nation towards a common goal which is socio-economic development.

“As Malawians we need to be patriotic and hardworking to develop the nation. We should refrain from petty jealousy as it hinders socio-economic growth,” the Malawi leader explained.

Mutharika maintained his stand on development saying his government would continue to concentrate on developmental projects to ensure the country is developed to modern standards.

On youth and employment, the President said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  led government would ensure that those that are not employed were given business opportunities, including motorbikes to operate as one of generating income for their households.

He disclosed that through the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) Phase 9 which is expected to roll out in 2019, government plans to electrify over 400 rural trading centres across the country.

The President disclosed that government with support from the Government of China plans to provide 500 villages nationwide with free access to satellite television so that they keep abreast with what was happening across the globe.

Mutharika appealed to the public to give the DPP a fresh mandate in next May 21, 2019 elections so that it could continue with its development programmes.

Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Nicholas Dausi said culture has proved to be helpful in boosting the tourism industry in the country, noting that it needed to be appreciated.

Paramount Chief Ngolongoliwa said the presence of various chiefs from other cultures at the gathering was a sign that there is unity in the country.

He commended the President for the various developmental programmes being implemented under his leadership saying there has been a lot of transformation in the country since he was voted in power in 2014.

“If you can compare the past and the present, you will notice that we have made tremendous strides as a nation-development wise.  We now have electricity in rural areas, we have a good road network which was not the case in the past,” Ngolongoliwa pointed out.

He said he was optimistic that once given another term to run the affairs of government, the country would be developed beyond recognition.

Ngolongoliwa added that it was important for Malawians to know their heritage regardless of their cultural background.

He appealed to the gathering that this should not divide the people but rather be used as a tool for promoting peace in the country.

Mulhakowa Alhomwe Chairperson, Leston Mulli said culture remains important because it gives people a sense of belonging.

He emphasized that, “This year we deliberately chose the theme, Culture a unifying tool, let’s all hold hands in unity as one so that we continue to develop at a faster rate under leadership Mutharika.”

Mulli warned the gathering not to be enticed by politicians who spread lies just to gain political mileage.

Mulhakhowa Alhomwe was established as a cultural grouping in 2007 by the late President Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika to promote and preserve Lomwe culture.

Other notable people in attendance included former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Esther Mcheka Chilenje, DPP Secretary General, Griezelder Jeffrey, Paramount Chiefs Lundu, Kawinga, Gomani and Chewa King Kalonga Gawa Undi.

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phwisa
phwisa
5 years ago

But my fellow Malawians, I did not see Kaliati , the real Lomwe, here.KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

tizanka
tizanka
5 years ago

Nobody chose to be born Lhomwe but we are proud of the same. The hate towards Lhomwes has been there from time immemorial, from being hunted down like Mice like the Ngonis to be dropped like flies during colonialism, to our land being confiscated by the colonialists to being worked like slaves during thangata. Insults won’t break our spirits, your hate towards us binds us, I will instill the same in my kids to ensure they find solace and peace amongst their own. we shall and we will survive

pathfinder
pathfinder
5 years ago

That’s my tribe and i’m proud to have come from Lhomwe belt. I have always being proud of it even before two leaders of the country came from it. Alhomwe, Alhomwe nophiya?

Milo
Milo
5 years ago

My . . . my . . . don’t all of these gentlemen look so pretty in pink . . . !

Lisborn
Lisborn
5 years ago

Anthu amene akuononga dziko la Malawi awa

pathfinder
pathfinder
5 years ago
Reply to  Lisborn

Pita kagwere uko iwe, mukamaononga mabanja ndi mitundu yanu zomwe zikuchita reflect ku dziko lonse ndiye muziti ndi alhomwe akukuonongerani. Za zii, ife ndi ogwiririzana ndipo tidzakhala chomwecho kufikila kalekale. You mess with one lhomwe, you mess with us all, that’s a warning!

Mmora Muroma
Mmora Muroma
5 years ago

Jokers. It divides instead of uniting. Lo!

Adansonia
Adansonia
5 years ago

People have money to spend on these useless festivals. By the way Kodi a chair anachila tsopano?

Ndaonavino
Ndaonavino
5 years ago
Reply to  Adansonia

Ukumufutsa ndani? Go and ask him kapena sukuziwa kumene amakhala?

SITTING ON A MIRACLE / BREAK THROUGH
SITTING ON A MIRACLE / BREAK THROUGH
5 years ago

INSULTS AND MOCKERIES
TO THE PEOPLE OF MOTHER MALAWI — NOBODY TAKES THESE
FIELD MARSHALS SERIOUSLY !!

BigMan
BigMan
5 years ago

What culture? Corruption, hedonism, blatant theft by public servant?

Big man
Big man
5 years ago

Chakwera zoona osabwera ait

Mlosi
Mlosi
5 years ago
Reply to  Big man

Other political leaders mostly opposition did well not to attend. I followed on Times TV all the function was more of a political rally . Castigation from people ie . the chairperson of the grouping. For me Chakwera and friends did well. If these people can be violent from other tribe’s gathering what can happen to their own. Kupewa kumaposa kuchiza my friend

Shack
Shack
5 years ago
Reply to  Big man

Chakwera is not a pervert. These grown men enjoy looking at half naked girls at this event. Why would he entertain that?

pathfinder
pathfinder
5 years ago
Reply to  Shack

Maybe Chakwera is not a pervet nor are those gentlemen you see on the pictures. But one thing i can assure you is that chakwera isn’t cultural oriented either, so i don’t give a shit that he was not part of the festival.

pathfinder
pathfinder
5 years ago
Reply to  Big man

Pamenepo ndipamene mungadziwile kuti tsankho lili mwa mitundu inayo.

naphili
naphili
5 years ago
Reply to  pathfinder

Za ziii

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