Malawi chief urges Chewa to celebrate culture at home, not Zambia
The push for a local Chewa celebration comes amid growing concerns about resource drain from cross-border cultural practices.
SALIMA, Malawi — A prominent Malawian chief is calling for the Chewa people to establish their cultural celebration day in Malawi, aiming to reduce dependence on Zambia's annual Kulamba ceremony, writes Alinafe Jimmy Mkwezalamba.
Senior Chief Kaluluma of Kasungu appealed during a tombstone unveiling ceremony in Salima district on Saturday.
He emphasized the need for Malawian Chewa to preserve their culture locally.
"We need to borrow a leaf from other tribes in Malawi that have designated days for celebrating their respective cultures," Kaluluma said.
"Just look at how the Lhomwe and Ngoni are doing."
The Chewa spread across Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, traditionally gathering in Zambia for an annual celebration.
However, Kaluluma and other leaders argue this practice results in economic losses for Malawi.
Senior Chief Khwethemule of Thyolo, representing Chewa paramount chief Lundu, supported Kaluluma's stance.
"Traveling to Mkaika does not benefit Malawi; it only robs us of foreign exchange," he said.
"If we are to develop, we must leverage the vastness of the Chewa tribe and pool our resources for a cultural celebration here at home."
The event's host, Senior Group Village Headman Sosola, chairs Chifukwato Cha Achewa, a group advocating for Malawian Chewa to stop deferring to Zambia's Kalonga Gawa Undi.
Sosola urged a reclamation of Chewa history, stating, "It's time we engage in soul-searching as Malawian Chewa and start considering how we can develop the country through cultural tourism."
The push for a local Chewa celebration comes amid growing concerns about resource drain from cross-border cultural practices.