With memories of Umthetho Jere Ngoni Cultural Festival still fresh, the Northern Region is set to host another cultural gathering organised by Tonga Heritage locally known as ‘Mdawuku wa aTonga’ (Mwato) tomorrow Tukombo Girls Secondary School in Nkhata Bay District.

A press statement from Mwato says the cultural celebration, which is open to the public, will be characterised by traditional dances such as chilimika, malipenga and honala.

Chimwendo-Banda: We need to encourage such festivals

According to the statement, this year’s celebration will be held under the theme ‘Unity and humaneness’.

Mwato chief executive officer Levi Zeleza Manda in an interview said oneness is critical if the country is to prosper.

“As a country, we concentrate on fingerpointing. We need to advocate for unity, tolerance and oneness if we are to move forward. That is why through this year’s celebrations, we are preaching love and unity,” he said.

Manda said there will also be speeches, displays of cultural products and food.

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda will be the guest of honour at the event.

The minister said he values such cultural gatherings because they are the best platforms to bring people together and share cultural values.

“We need to encourage such festivals because they define our values. We can only pass our tradition to the next generation through such festivals,” he said. n