Malawi government pledges support for cultural festivals and heritage

Malawi's Second Vice President Enock Chihana has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting cultural festivals and heritage associations to promote national unity, tourism, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the Umthetho Cultural Festival held at the Hora Heritage Site in Mzimba, Chihana highlighted the importance of the annual event in showcasing Ngoni culture and heritage. He expressed the government's desire for heritage associations to establish permanent festival arenas to attract year-round tourism, noting that the construction of traditional Ngoni-style houses at the site is a positive development.

Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V outlined ambitious plans to transform the Hora Heritage Site into a major tourist destination, which include the construction of a hotel, a golf course, and dormitories. He appealed to private investors to partner with the Mzimba Heritage Association to realize these projects, as the association cannot fund them independently. Additionally, the chief called on traditional leaders to play a role in conserving natural resources, such as forests and minerals.