Marythar Kambinda

KATIMA MULILO - The Tulikonge Cultural Festival, a flagship event of the Bafwe community, under the leadership of chief (mfumu) Joseph Tembwe Mayuni, took place on Sunday at the Mashi Traditional Authority at Choi in the Zambezi region.

The festival, which seeks to shed light on the different cultures as well as cultural norms within the region, was filled with traditional food as well as cultural performances and attires.

The chief of Mashi Traditional Authority, Mfumu Joseph Tembwe Mayuni, called on NBC to look into the possibility of introducing a Chifwe radio station. “We cannot continue to use a colonial language as our medium after 32 years of independence.”

He added, “Mashi Traditional Authority is the custodian of our language and culture. We thus encourage the development of native languages such as Chifwe.” Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who was the guest of honour, highlighted how cultural festivals should be promoted as they help to uphold the values and pass them from one generation to another.

“They are a foundation to provide the young generation with knowledge of traditional values to overcome socio-economic challenges, as well as to develop a cultural identity that promotes respect for intercultural learning and cultural diversity,” said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

The prime minister further said, “Culture is part of identity, and our roots, which should therefore be preserved.” She added that culture is an essential element that brings people together, and the presence of leaders of different traditional authorities who attended the event was a sign of unity and appreciation of the cultural diversity that exists in the country.

The prime minister further acknowledged how culture is dynamic and evolves with human development. The evolution of culture brings with it positive aspects that improve our lives and understanding. 

“We, therefore, need to maintain the most fundamental aspects of our culture, the non-negotiable ethical and moral values and etiquette that are universal to all societies across the globe, such as respect for all,” said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

Justice minister Yvonne Dausab, Chief of the Mayeyi Boniface Shifu, Ngambela of the Mashi Beatrice Muyatwa, Ngambela of the Masubiya Traditional Authority Albius Kamwi, Ngambela of Mayeyi (Batsara) Calvin Shozi, Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu and Katima Mulilo Rural constituency councillor and chairperson of the management committee (ZRC) Warden Simushi also attended the occasion.