Foreign guests who attended this year’s Umthetho Cultural Festival at Hora Heritage Site in Mzimba District on Saturday have described their visits to Malawi as unforgettable.
South Africa’s Zulu royal family attended the event for the first time, while Kenyan Winnie Mandela, Executive Director of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairmanship campaign, returned to the ceremony after first attending last year.
Speaking on behalf of the royal family, which represented Zulu Nation King MisuZulu kaZwelithini at the Ngoni festival, the king’s younger brother, Prince Masikwamahle KaZwelithini, said they enjoyed their stay in Malawi.
“We are humbled by the warm hospitality of the people of Malawi, who graciously welcomed our delegation to their beautiful country, the Warm Heart of Africa.
“The protection services offered by the police made us feel very safe throughout our stay. We even visited Lake Malawi, where we had a lot of fun,” Masikwamahle said.
He added that, after visiting Malawi for the first time, they will work towards helping develop various sectors in the country.
“We will try to bring a lot of investors into the country. We have friends who are involved in tourism and mining, as well as those in petroleum, electricity and other energy sectors.
“We noted that some parts of the country are experiencing a shortage of electricity, so we will try to address that issue,” Masikwamahle said.
Also in the delegation were MisuZulu’s wife, Nomzamo kaMyeni, and a senior member of the royalty, Prince Zebron Zulu.
Mandela said she fell in love with Malawi after attending the 2023 edition of Umthetho.
“I see Malawi as my second home. I enjoyed my stay last year and this year was even more enjoyable. I am now considering what else I can do for this great ceremony.
“I will start mobilising resources to support the development of the Hora Heritage Centre, which holds a special place in my heart,” she said.
Both Mandela and the South African delegation left the country through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on Monday evening.
Mzimba Heritage Association Secretary General Kingsley Jere said they had more foreign guests at this year’s festival.
“This year’s Umthetho was the biggest ever because, apart from our Kenyan and South African guests, we also had others from Zambia and Tanzania, led by Inkosi ya Makhosi Mpezeni and Inkosi ya Makhosi Zulu Gama, respectively.
“Some visitors even came from countries outside Africa just to join us. We are very thankful to everyone who came,” Jere said.
The 2024 edition of Umthetho was a double celebration as it also commemorated Ngoni King Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V’s ten years on the throne.
Chakwera graced the festival alongside other political, religious, and cultural leaders.
