Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Alfred Gangata has urged traditional leaders to continue promoting Malawi’s traditional customs and cultural heritage.
He made the remarks on Saturday in Salima District during Chiwanja cha Yao Festival, which celebrates the history, customs and traditions of the Yao people.
“As government, we work with chiefs on development activities to make the country a better place. We encourage peace and stability among the country’s diverse cultural groups, including the Yao people,” said Gangata.
The minister also commended the festival’s organisers for launching an initiative to promote girls’ education, saying it will help secure a brighter future for girls.
“The initiative will help uplift girls’ education. I, therefore, warn those who abuse the rights of girls that they shall face the law,” said Gangata.
Paramount Chief Kawinga of the yao emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting Yao customs and culture.
He also used the platform to criticise politicians for interfering in traditional leadership affairs, saying such action was destabilising chieftaincies across the country.
“A clear separation between politics and traditional leadership will promote cultural preservation, peace and stability,” said Kawinga.
He alleged that some politicians used traditional leaders during election campaigns by promising them promotions, but when the promises were not fulfilled, some of the chiefs resorted to actions to destabilise established chieftaincies.
In response, Gangata said he will report the concerns raised by the paramount chief to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development for consideration.
Chiwanja cha Yao trustee Kayisi Sadala highlighted the importance of introducing various projects to improve people’s lives across the country.
“As a cultural organisation, we thought it wise to introduce this initiative to ensure that people in our communities are better served through education. This is also part of promoting our culture,” he said.
This year’s festival showcased various aspects of Yao culture, including language, traditional dances, food and traditional attire, providing a platform for celebrating and preserving the community’s diverse cultural heritage.
