Cultural festivals should unite Malawians— Peter Mutharika
President Peter Mutharika has asked Malawians to use cultural festivals that different ethnic groups have established in the country as a bond to unite them.
Mutharika made the remarks yesterday during the launch of Mgumano wa Asena na Amang’anja, a cultural festival of the Sena and Mang’anja at the headquarters of Paramount Chief Lundu in Chikwawa District.
He said there is no big tribe in the country saying the largest group is that of Malawians.
“Cultural festivals should foster development. As Malawians, we should stop the attitude of fault-finding but learn to make constructive criticism. Let us discuss when there is a problem, osati kulozana zala,” he said.
Mutharika took the opportunity to tell Malawians what his government is doing on the bloodsucking stories which have spread across all Southern Region districts.
“We have ordered the Malawi Army and the police to work together to provide security. If you are suspecting anybody, report the person to police but don’t take the law into your hands.
“I should also warn that all those spreading the rumours will be arrested. I know this week somebody in Zomba has been jailed for three months for spreading such false rumours, 140 others have also been arrested.” he said.
Mutharika maintains that there is no evidence of blood sucking and asked Malawians who feel any signs of illness to visit hospitals instead of just relating everything to attacks by the invisible vampires.
Paramount Chief Lundu speaking through a representative, said he is ready to work with fellow paramount chiefs.
Lundu, who is also the patron of the group said he is looking forward to be at a round table with fellow paramount chiefs and the State President, a development which he says will foster cultural values.
“The launch of the festival is a landmark achievement but we will use it to make sure we work together with other groups such as Mulhako wa Alhomwe, the Tongas who have also launched their festival this year, the Ngonis and others. In that spirit, we are assured that peace and tranquility will prevail in this country,” he said.
Mgumano wa Asena na Amang’anja Board Chairperson, Owen Chomanika, while expressing gratitude that the event was colourful, said they had numerous challenges, in organising the event.
However, he said Mutharika helped them with K5 million.
Others who attended the event included, Paramount Chief Ngolongoliwa of the Lhomwes, Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development, Cecelia Chazama and Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa
The grouping was registered on February 3, 2015.
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