By Imam Wali:
The Maseko Ngoni Heritage has urged politicians and their supporters to refrain from putting on political colours during the wedding ceremony of Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V, who is set to marry his fiancée Rishaladza Khanyisa Mathebula.
The event, which is slated for November 2 2019, will be held together with Umhlangano, a Maseko Ngoni annual cultural gathering at Nkolimbo Village in Ntcheu District.
Secretary for the Maseko Ngoni Heritage, Impi Kandi Padambo, in an interview, said due to the nature of the ceremony, political parties invited together with their supporters should refrain from putting on party regalia.
“We have to respect the event, hence all political parties and their supporters must refrain from politicising the function,” Padambo said.
Commenting on the development, UTM Publicity Secretary, Joseph Chidanti Malunga said the party respects the suggestion and that it has no intention of displaying their colours at the function.
Malawi Congress Party Secretary General, Eisenhower Mkaka also welcomed the idea by the Maseko Ngoni Heritage.
“As all political parties have been invited to the wedding, there is no need to turn the event into a political rally or people dressing in their party regalia. Let’s go to the wedding and celebrate together,” he said.
Democratic Progressive Party Secretary General, Grezelder Jeffrey said although the part has not yet been served with a communiqué, she expects people to dress in wedding colours that have been chosen.
Meanwhile, political commentator, Wonderful Nkhutche has hailed the idea made by the Maseko Ngoni Heritage.
“This event is national in the sense that people from several tribes and political parties will attend. There is indeed no need for party colors. I can only urge party leaders and supporters to listen and understand so as not to spoil the event,” he said.
For years, during cultural events, political parties have been hijacking such activities especially at installation of chiefs and funeral ceremonies.
Some notable examples are at Chiwanja Cha a Yao ceremony where UTM supporters were arrested and Gonapamuhanya Cultural Festival which ended in violence last year.
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