Hora Mountain for tourists

A bold vision to transform Hora Mountain in Mzimba District into a modern cultural tourism hub has cast fresh light on a growing movement led by Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V and Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V. Speaking on the sidelines of the recent M’mbelwa Royal Golf Tournament in Lilongwe, M’mbelwa V unveiled plans for the Hora Heritage Centre, a cultural village to be developed at the foot of the iconic Hora Mountain in the district. The facility, guided by a comprehensive master plan, is expected to host the annual Umthetho Cultural Festival while opening up investment opportunities in tourism, hospitality and sports.

Hora, already home to Umthetho, is set to become more than a ceremonial venue. M’mbelwa V envisions a place where culture meets commerce, allowing visitors to experience Ngoni traditions, cuisine, dance and history in a setting designed to generate sustainable economic value. But perhaps more striking than the project itself is the approach.

M’mbelwa V has made it clear that the future of cultural tourism lies not in handouts but in structured partnerships. “We are looking for partnerships, not just sponsorships,” he said, calling on the corporate sector to invest in a model that creates shared value. “Investors must see returns beyond prestige.

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This is about building something lasting.” The tournament itself, which raised about K80 million, was more than a fundraiser. It was a statement of intent that culture, when properly packaged, can attract serious investment. Umthetho Cultural Festival organising committee chairperson William Nuka echoed this vision, describing the festival as a national platform with growing economic significance.

“This is not just about playing golf, it is about raising essential funds for the festival, which brings together people from all walks of life, not just the Ngoni people of Mzimba,” he said. He added that cultural heritage remains central to identity and development. “Umthetho provides a platform for networking, celebrating our traditions through dance and deepening our understanding of our history,” said Nuka.

He added that the overwhelming support for this year’s tournament reflects growing public and corporate confidence in cultural initiatives. Significantly, standing beside M’mbelwa V at the event was his traditional “elder brother”, Gomani V of the Maseko Ngoni, whom he had invited as Guest of Honour—a gesture commentators say symbolised far more than courtesy.

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