BY SAMUEL KALIMIRA:
Organisers of this year’s Mzimba Ngonis Umthetho Cultural Festival have warned political leaders against politicising the event which is scheduled for August 11 2018 at Hora Mountain in the district.
The warning comes following a background of political parties hijacking cultural functions, a development which has not pleased the Ngoni chiefs.
Speaking when TNM donated K1 million to organisers of the event, Mzimba Ngoni Heritage Association Chairperson, Boston Soko, said Umthetho is not a political stage where politicians should try to outwit each other.
“We are not politicians and we are not into politics. This is an event at which we reflect on our culture, language, dances and other aspects. This group has never been political and that is why we do not want politics at Umthetho,” Soko said.
He said the organising committee has a total budget of K11 million.
Speaking after presenting the cheque, TNM Northern Regional Distribution Manager, Yamikani Bakuwa, said the donation is in line with one of the company’s policies, which is commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
“Umthetho is an important event that seeks to promote and preserve Ngoni culture. We felt it necessary to assist [organisers during] this year’s event because we know that people travel far and wide to appreciate other people’s culture, which promotes tourism and brings in the much-needed foreign exchange,” Bakuwa said.
The Mzimba Ngonis Umthetho Cultural Festival happens during the second weekend of August and attracts Ngonis from Songea in Tanzania and those from Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The ceremony will start on Thursday, August 9, and reach a climax on August 11 when people will feast on meat, drink beer and dance with the impi.
TNM is, this year, expected to conduct Sim card registration at the event.
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