Government committed to supporting initiatives that transform…

Smart Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, says the government remains committed to supporting initiatives that transform cultural wealth into sustainable opportunities while strengthening unity and peace. Mr Chinyama notes that there is need for deliberate efforts to preserve Zambian culture and traditions saying traditional ceremonies are vital in shaping identity and passing values to future generations. He said this when he officiated at this year’s Lubinda Ntongo Traditional Ceremony of Chief Mumena of the Kaonde people in Kalumbila District yesterday.

Mr Chinyama described the annual event as the community’s gratitude for successful hunts, sustenance and serves as a time to reconnect with cultural identity, traditions and shared values. He warned that neglecting to nurture cultural heritage among children and young people risks undermining community foundations and urged parents and leaders to involve youths in traditional activities. Mr Chinyanga added that traditional ceremonies are living classrooms for culture saying culture is not merely the peoples’ identity it also represents a vital economic resource.

“Traditional ceremonies such as Lubinda Ntongo are living classrooms where our culture is imparted through active participation, practice and experience. The theme for this year’s ceremony, ‘Kisho Kyetu, Bo Bunooshi Bwetu’ Our Culture, Our Wealth is particularly fitting, “he said. Speaking earlier, Lubinda Ntongo Traditional Ceremony National Chairperson Lieutenant General, Sande Kayumba, thanked all stakeholders who contributed to holding a successful event.