By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, October 6, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika has urged different cultural groupings to promote their cultural heritage as it plays an important role in unifying tribes and the country at large.

Chomanika made the remarks during Gonapamuhanya cultural celebration on Saturday at Kadumulira in Bolero in Rumphi district.

He said politics and even religion at times fail to unite the people, but culture may fill that gap and unite people.

"Chiefs are responsible for development of their communities and also enhancing peace and unity in their communities and culture.

"The country is made up of clans and tribes and we need to be united, even first as Tumbukas. When we are united as Tumbukas we cannot be divided along religion and so on because culture and tribes bring us together," said Chomanika.

Chomanika also hailed the contribution of Tumbukas during the fight against colonialism and for their contribution to various sectors of the country.

He also applauded Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe for leading in empowering women and youth by among others promoting education.

In an interview, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said the country cannot develop without participation of women and youth.

He added that the celebration's theme of promoting youth and women for development is aimed at ensuring that youths and women take active roles in developing the country.

He also urged people under his reign to observe peace and unity for the country to develop.

National Coordinating Committee Chairperson for Tumbuka Heritage Foundation described the ceremony as the best because for the first time they held the function at their cultural heritage site at Kadumulira.

Some of the notable guests at the function were former President Joyce Banda who unveiled a MK10 million scholarship for girls in the district, Aford President, Enock Chihana, UTM presidential aspirant Mathews Mtumbuka among others.

The function also attracted Paramount Chiefs Inkosi ya Makosi M'mbelwa and Kiyungu, senior chiefs, Traditional Authorities (TA) and many other chiefs from Malawi and Zambia.

It was celebrated under the theme Youth and Women Empowerment for Development.