M’mbelwa V calls for transparency in Mzimba Heritage Association
M’mbelwa V calls for transparency in MZIHA RMC for Umutheto festival, writes Flates Banda.
MZIMBA, Malawi - His Royal Majesty Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V is calling for transparency and accountability in the Mzimba Heritage Association Resource Mobilisation Committee (MZIHA RMC) as they prepare for the 2023 Umutheto annual cultural festival, writes Flates Banda.
M’mbelwa commended the committee for their impressive work plan and encouraged them to prioritise transparency and accountability.
“I assure them that my office will support them accordingly, as they are set to mobilise resources for the Umutheto event," M’mbelwa said.
The Chairperson for MZIHA RMC, Lusungu Gondwe, acknowledged the public's concerns about a lack of transparency and accountability and promised to address those concerns through accountability and transparency measures.
“After meeting people, we assured them that we will make sure that there is accountability and transparency because if we raise funds now, it will be difficult for us to go back to people next time when we haven’t accounted for what they gave us this time,” Gondwe said.
The MZIHA RMC is planning to raise K53 million for the Umutheto annual cultural festival, which will be held from August 9–12, 2023.
The committee's team includes Counsel Lusungu Gondwe as Chairperson, Balikile Chisi as Secretary, Misheck Chisi as a member, and Chimbizga Msimuko as the Chairperson for the MZIHA Media Team.
Gondwe emphasised that the committee must provide a financial report of the expenses after raising funds, saying that they cannot go back and ask for more funds without a financial report in hand.
“We need Inkosi ya Makhosi's backing and support in that regard," Gondwe added.
The Umutheto annual cultural festival is a significant cultural event in Mzimba.
This year's Umutheto will be the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and organisers are hoping for a successful event with full accountability and transparency.