Malawi's Umthetho Festival to Host African Royalty, Address Climate Change
The festival aims to celebrate African unity and resilience while addressing environmental concerns through cultural performances and discussions.
MZIMBA, Malawi — The 2024 Umthetho Cultural Festival, set for August 3 at Hora Heritage Centre in Mzimba, will mark a decade of His Majesty Inkosi Ya Makhosi Mmbelwa V's reign and focus on climate change, writes Winston Mwale.
The event, themed "Uniting Against Climate Change Under the Decade of His Majesty Mmbelwa V," will host several African leaders and royalty, including Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera and King MisuZulu Ka Zwelithini of the Zulu Nation.
Thousands of people are also expected to attend the cultural event this year, which takes place at Hora Mountain, a historical site in Mzimba district in the northern region of Malawi.
Mathews Malata, MW2063 Environmental Sustainability Champion and President of the Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi (AEJ), praised the festival's focus on climate change but called for concrete action.
"We should applaud the Umthetho for once again shining a light on the critical issue of climate change," Malata said.
"This event offers a valuable platform to not only raise awareness about the devastating impacts of climate change but also to mobilise resources for community-led adaptation projects."
Malata emphasized the need for progress evaluation and genuine commitments from local leaders.
He highlighted the importance of increased enforcement efforts to protect forests, particularly Perekezi Forest in Mzimba, which he described as "under siege."
"Let us move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to address this existential threat," Malata urged.
The festival aims to celebrate African unity and resilience while addressing environmental concerns through cultural performances and discussions.
AfricaBrief plans to provide coverage of the event.