President Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting cultural heritage initiatives.
He said cultural events play a crucial role in uniting Malawians and promoting peace across communities.
Speaking at the Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) Fundraising Dinner held at Bingu wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe Saturday evening, Chakwera said gatherings such as the one organised by Chefo were not only platforms for cultural expression but also vehicles for national cohesion.
“This event is a great opportunity for me to connect with the Chewa community and appreciate the efforts being made to preserve our rich cultural heritage. But more importantly, it is a reminder that we are all one people before God. We must learn to live harmoniously with others from different backgrounds to ensure lasting peace in our country,” Chakwera said.
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The President also implored traditional leaders to take a proactive role in encouraging voter participation ahead of the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections, saying peace and unity were critical during the electoral period.
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“Chiefs are the custodians of our traditions and the glue that binds our communities. I call upon you to champion peace, especially as we approach the elections. Mobilise your people to vote and remind them that violence, or division, has no place in our democracy,” he said.
On his part, Local Government and Culture Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda said as Malawi continues to embrace cultural diversity within its Malawi 2063 vision agenda, the President’s presence at the Chefo dinner signalled a broader push to mainstream culture in national development planning.
This fundraising dinner was attended by traditional leaders, government officials, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts was to mobilise resources for key Chewa initiatives.
The initiatives include supporting the Malawian delegation to the annual Kulamba Ceremony in Zambia, constructing a permanent Chefo headquarters and sustaining efforts to preserve Chewa cultural practices and history, according to Chimwendo Banda said.
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On his part, Chefo Chairperson Stanley Khayira praised the President for honouring the invitation and echoed the First Citizen’s sentiments on the importance of promoting peace and unity.
“Our theme this year is centred on building a strong cultural foundation to support national development,” Khayira said.
The Kulamba Ceremony is a major cultural event that brings together Chewa people from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique under the leadership of Kalonga Gawa Undi.
The ceremony serves as a platform for the Chewa community to showcase their customs, reflect on societal progress and receive guidance from their paramount chief.
