Ngonis join fight to save environment

The past few years have been marked with escalating environmental crises and urgent calls for action. The calls signify a pressing need for the world to protect and preserve the environment.

Malawi, just like other countries, has suffered the same fate from the looming threats of climate change that manifested through cyclones, floods, dry spells and El Nino conditions that led to devastating outcomes.

As countries continue to grapple with the effects of these conditions, it is important to note that every individual has a responsibility to care for and preserve the environment.

Concerned with the environmental crisis, Umtheto Cultural Festival is embracing a new purpose as it is aligning itself with the global movement to combat climate change.

This year, organisers of the festival have announced their intention to bring the spotlight the intersection of tradition and environmental advocacy, recognising the critical role that cultural heritage can play in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

This echoes the words of Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V when he emphasised the relationship between the ngoni and the environment earlier this year during the launch of the Mombera Rising, an anthology portraying how the ngoni tribe of Mzimba should use their cultural values to restore and preserve nature in the future.

He said every individual in the kingdom has a responsibility to be part of the restoration and regeneration of the lost glory of Mzimba District by reflecting on where they come from.

“You cannot be ngoni without the environment the ngonis are well known for. In our culture, we rear animals, meaning we have to look after our environment, encouraging the regeneration of our forests, especially to the new generation,” he said.

Emphasising on the need to reconnect with the Ngoni roots, he said the tribe’s cultural values can be used as a tool to conserve the environment.

The annual event takes place at the foot of the historical Hora Mountain in Mzimba where the local Ngoni and those from other countries are invited to celebrate and interpret Ngoni traditions and cultural heritage.

During the festival, the ngonis showcase their rich heritage, including traditional dances such as ingoma and ngoni cuisines and the group’s traditional dressing are exhibited during the three-day festival.

In an interview, Mzimba Heritage Association general secretary Kingsley Jere said this year’s occasion will be more than just a showcase of traditional practices.

“Apart from the usual celebrations, this year we want the festival to be a platform for environmental awareness and action,” he said.

Jere underscored the festival’s potential to highlight the importance of environmental conservation among the populace.

“We believe that by incorporating an environmental theme in the festival, we can inspire meaningful change and foster a deeper connection between our cultural heritage and the natural environment, making people understand that they do have a role to play,” he said.

Jere added that the festival will attract innovators who are working on innovations to minimise environmental crises so that they use the platform to showcase their new innovations.

Apart from being a cultural celebration, the festival will also be a platform where businesses will showcase their products.

Currently, the committee is engaged in forging partnerships with other organisations to facilitate workshops during the festival addressing environmental concerns.

The festival is expected to host ngonis from Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and other cultural groupings from Malawi, including the Chewa Heritage Foundation, Muhlako wa Ahlomwe and others.