Umthetho Cultural Ceremony to Highlight Diversity at August Gathering
The Umthetho ceremony serves as a cornerstone event for preserving and showcasing Ngoni cultural heritage, with attendees expected from Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
MZIMBA, Malawi — The annual Umthetho cultural ceremony will take place Aug. 6-9 at Hora in Mzimba District, celebrating Ngoni traditions under the theme "Cultural Diversity: The Foundation for Peaceful Coexistence and Development", writes Tionge Hara.
Mzimba Heritage General Secretary Kingsley Jere told AfricaBrief that preparations are underway for the event, which attracts visitors from across Africa.
"We will make sure that our event is not politicized but will be a massive ceremony regardless," Jere said, addressing concerns about the gathering coinciding with Malawi's campaign season.
This year's festival will incorporate more activities for children following feedback from previous attendees.
"We're responding to concerns that children were previously overlooked," Jere said.
The ceremony has historically drawn high-profile attendees, including President Lazarus Chakwera, who attended in 2022 alongside the late Vice President Saulos Chilima.
Last year's event received financial support from TNM, which contributed K5 million toward the festival's operations.
The Umthetho ceremony serves as a cornerstone event for preserving and showcasing Ngoni cultural heritage, with attendees expected from Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.