The new Cabinet announced on Wednesday by President Lazarus Chakwera has split the culture and tourism sectors.

Previously, both sectors were under the ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife headed by Michael Usi. But following the reshuffle, culture will be under the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture headed by Dowa East legislator Richard Chimwendo Banda while tourism will be a standalone ministry to be overseen by Vera Kamtukule.

Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture headed by Richard Chimwendo Banda

Meanwhile, the development has divided opinions among creatives with some saying the move is retrogressive considering the progress made already when the two sectors were under one ministry.

Poetry Association of Malawi president Robert Chiwamba said during the tenure of the previous Cabinet, the ministry made strides in areas such as renovating the Blantyre Cultural Centre and pushing for the establishment of the National Arts and Heritage Council. He said he fears that such projects will suffer from lack of prioritisation in the current set-up.

Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule

“Already, the Ministry of Local Government is big and deserves to be on its own. Adding unity which was a ministry on its own and combining it with art is broadening its scope too much. In the end, it will be arts which will suffer,” he said.

Photographers Association of Malawi president Lucky Mkandawire shares the same view. He doubts if the new ministers will retain the same zeal to complete the projects which were started in the previous set-up.

Filmmakers Association of Malawi president Gift ‘Sukez’ Sukali said as creatives, they are in the dark as to which ministry the department of arts fall under. He said it would have made sense if arts and culture were maintained as a standalone ministry. However, poet Q Malewezi said bundling makes sense with localised policies that can take advantage of various heritages.
“There is a great opportunity of bringing about more unity through exposing and celebrating each others cultures. The synergies between the three need to be aligned to achieve the desired result,” he said.

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