Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has challenged various cultural groups in the country to develop tourism sites, stating that there is currently a growing demand for cultural tourism through which these groups can earn money and eventually grow the country’s economy.
The ministry’s Principal Secretary Francis Zhuwao made the call on Saturday during the Mdawuku wa aTonga (Mwato), a cultural celebration for the Tonga people at Msani Heritage Site in Nkhata Bay.
He said that while tourists visit the lake, there is also a need for groups such as Mwato to come up with sites, where they can develop, with such structures as a performance arena, a structure for display for various cultural items, but also a designated dance troupe.
Said Zhuwaoh: “At the moment, there is great demand for cultural destinations. Visitors and tourists are interested in cultural heritage elements such as a historical town centre, a historic garden and cultural centres.
“It is the government’s wish that cultural festivals, if well organised and promoted, can boost this country’s economy. This is why government encourages all ethnic groups to identify, preserve and promote its heritage.”
Zhuwao said the government, through the ministry, is investing in cultural assets conservation and promotion so that considerable returns can be gotten through them.
On his part, director of Museums and Monuments in the ministry, Portiphar Kaliba said it was pleasing that Mwato had a designated site at Msani, where they can safely start engaging partners to develop.
“When you keep changing places where you conduct these events every year, it is not possible to develop. But with Msani, it has made it easier for Mwato. My call is that all cultural groups can borrow a leaf,” he said.
Kaliba also hailed Mwato for choosing the theme- ‘Safeguarding Tonga heritage, sustaining our environment’, stating, it becomes much easier for the government to implement policies on protecting the environment when cultural groups start such initiatives from the grassroot.
Taking his turn, Mwato chairperson Professor John Saka said plans to establish facilities such as a small museum and school are moving at a slow pace due to challenges on resources, but said that progress is being made.
He said: “I am happy that through a partnership with Chikale Beach Resort, GIZ is funding us with an initiative where we will have a museum and a mini-stadium where we can conduct our dances.
“So, it is a pathway which we would like to pursue earnestly and we will engage more development partners so that they can support us.”
Speaking earlier, Nkhata Bay Chiefs’ Council secretary Senior Chief Nyaliwanga started by reminding people of the need to be descent as Tonga people.
But he has decried the tendency of carelessly cutting down trees, burning charcoal, excessive beer drinking and early marriages.
“We have by-laws that need to be followed. The council and police have to work together so that we stop excessive beer drinking which normally ends up in quarrels and fights.
“Then we have some children that borrow foreign culture, and when we talk to them, they hide behind human rights. We end up having so many early pregnancies,” he said.
He said the situation has led to dwindling standards of education.
Several activities, including cultural dances from Atonga Band, Zabweka Tembo and Chioda, Chilimika, Park Town Banda, Honala and Malipega spiced up the event.
