By: Golden Kang'oma

Salima, September 18, Mana: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, has expressed concern over the dilution of Malawi's cultural identity due to technological advancements.

Speaking during a visit to Gwirize Cultural Village in Salima district on Wednesday, Kamtukule highlighted the importance of blending technology with cultural preservation as the country celebrates Tourism Month.

She said: "We are lamenting the loss of our authenticity as Malawians, technological progress is not the problem, but when culture is sacrificed at the altar of innovation, it becomes an issue."

Kamtukule emphasized the need to establish cultural villages in all 28 districts to preserve and promote Malawian heritage. She said the ministry aims to work closely with the Ministry of Local Government to integrate culture as a key tourism product.

"People visit Malawi to see our unique culture, so when we are doing our things, we should make sure that we do things as Malawians so that people from other countries can learn from us," she said.

Chairperson for Gwirize Cultural Village, Noah Chana, said they are in the pipeline of improving their facilities and plan to launch a website to attract international visitors.

 "We aim at marketing the village globally and offer accommodation for tourists, this is to make sure that our culture is preserved and it's marketed globally," Chana said.

Chana added that the initiative is seen as a way of boosting local revenue and contribute to community development, with proceeds supporting needy students in surrounding schools.

Salima District Council Chairperson, Ephraim Manthepa said the cultural village is putting the district on the map and it has the potential to improve people's livelihoods.