Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskes says government is committed to supporting historical cultural sites across the country to become eco-tourism and cultural attractions.
She said this on Saturday during the Gonapamuhanya Cultural Festival at Kadumuliro historical site in Rumphi District.
Wiskes said historic cultural sites can help the country prosper economically if developed in line with the National Cultural Policy.
“We consider development of such sites as cornerstone towards turning our country to prosperity because more tourists will be visiting them, boosting our economy,” she said at the Tumbuka cultural festival.
According to Tumbuka Heritage Association (Tuheri), the venue has not been given the attention it deserves for years.
The group likens Kadumuliro to Hora Mountain where the Jere Ngoni of Mzimba hold Umthetho and Chonde in Mlulanje where Lhomwes’ hold Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival.
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe XIII said plans were underway to turn Kadumuliro into an eco-tourism centre.
“Tumbukas history cannot be complete without mentioning Kadumuliro. I am happy that the minister has assured us of government support to turn it into a tourism site. What is more exciting is that this is happening during my reign,” said the Themba la Mathemba, the topmost ruler of the Tumbuka’s Nkhamanga Kingdom.
Tuheri national coordinator Hubert Mfune said the site will boost earnings from tourists yearning for insights about the Tumbuka culture and history.
The 2025 Gonapamuhanya Festival shone a light on culture and integrity as the backbone of development.
It got underway with the unveiling of the tombstone of the first Gonapamuhanya at Mphande Hills, six kilometres from Kadumuliro. The ceremony was characterised by prayers and laying of wreaths by Tumbuka royals, Wiskes and Second Vice-President Enock Chihana.
Other prominent guests included Paramount Chief Lundu of the Mang’anja, Paramount Chief M’mbelwa of the Jere Ngoni, Kawinga of the Yao and Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa.
