TNM Boosts Umthetho Festival with K5M as Zulu King Visits
The festival, led by Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa V, will feature traditional Ingoma dances, meat feasts, and beer celebrations.
LILONGWE, Malawi— TNM Plc, a leading telecommunications company in Malawi, has contributed K5 million to support this year's Umthetho Cultural Festival, an annual celebration of Ngoni culture and traditions, writes AfricaBrief Reporter.
The event, scheduled for August 3 at Hora Mountain in Mzimba District, has drawn Ngoni participants from three Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries: South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Notably, South Africa's Zulu nation king, Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelethini, the highest-ranking Ngoni royal, will attend the festivities.
Sobhuza Ngwenya, TNM's Marketing Director, emphasized the company's commitment to cultural diversity and unity.
"As a truly Malawian company, we are proud of Malawi's cultural diversity across different tribes and ethnic groups," Ngwenya said.
"We are excited to support the Umthetho Cultural Festival and its mission to celebrate Ngoni cultural heritage."
Ngwenya highlighted the festival's importance in promoting tourism and peace, stating, "People without a culture are like trees without roots.
It is through that understanding that we are happy that the Ngoni people define themselves through this festival."
Emma Kaliya, Chairperson of the 2024 Umthetho organizing committee, expressed gratitude for TNM's timely donation.
"This year's event will be huge as we will play host to Ngonis from four countries," Kaliya said.
"Our initial budget seems stretched already, and the donation from TNM has come at the right time."
The festival, led by Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa V, will feature traditional Ingoma dances, meat feasts, and beer celebrations.
Organizers encourage Ngonis and cultural heritage enthusiasts to attend in large numbers.