Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) has doubled up the budget for this year’s Umthetho Cultural Festival from K78 million to K156 million.
The festival takes place on August 3.
The association’s secretary general Kingsley Jere said they are expecting more visitors from outside the country, hence the need to have more resources.
Jere said South Africa’s Zulu Nation King MisuZulu alone will bring an entourage of over 200 people with other guests expected to come from Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya, among other countries.
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“We are expecting a very big gathering this year because the festival has generated a lot of interest both within and outside country. To us, this is a clear indication that we will have record numbers of people coming to witness this great event.
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“We already have confirmations from guests from several countries confirming that they will come. We therefore have to ensure that there is accommodation and food for all our guests. So, we are appealing for support from all well-wishers because these guests are not just for Umthetho but for the entire country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ngoni King Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V of Mzimba District visited Hora Heritage Centre, which will host the festival to appreciate developments ahead of the annual event.
M’mbelwa also met Mziha Blantyre chapter members last Saturday to remind them about the need to step up preparations for the festival.
In his remarks, the king reminded sons and daughters of Mzimba District resident in Blantyre and surrounding areas to remain united and live in harmony with other members of the society.
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“As sons and daughters of Mzimba, you should remain proud of your culture. You should also make every effort to patronise this year’s festival in large numbers,” he said.
M’mbelwa also met Mziha chapter members in Lilongwe to encourage them to continue preparing for the festival. He was accompanied by Mziha national chairperson Mzondi Moyo, Inkosi Jalavikuba, Jere and former ambassador Chimango Chirwa.
