The rich cultural heritage of the Lambya people of Mafinga under Chief Mwenewisi took center stage at this year’s Bulambya Chikungu Traditional Ceremony, with Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Rev. Mathews Chilekwa praising the ceremony as a vital tool for preserving national identity and transferring knowledge to the youth.

The Permanent Secretary expressed great honour at gracing the event, commending His Royal Highness Chief Mweniwisi, the organizing committee, and the people of Mafinga for their tireless efforts in hosting the memorable ceremony.

The PS highlighted the profound significance of the ceremony, which commemorates the establishment of the Bulambya Kingdom in the 17th century. He emphasized its role in safeguarding traditional knowledge, skills, rituals, and rites for cultural posterity.

“It is therefore important to treasure the country’s cultural heritage in this dynamic and fast-changing world,” he stated, pointing to the threat of external influences. He called for the documentation of music, dances, food, and traditions to maintain the nation’s unique identity amidst its cultural diversity.

Linking this cultural pride to national unity, the speech credited Zambia’s enduring peace to the collective responsibility embodied in the national motto, “One Zambia, One Nation.” He urged citizens to continue supporting and appreciating each other’s cultures as a foundation for living together in harmony.

The government also lauded traditional leaders for their ongoing sensitization programs on critical social issues such as gender equality, human rights, and the fight against child marriages. Royal Highnesses were encouraged to continue promoting the welfare of women and to urge young people, especially the girl child, to return to school.

Rev. Mathews Chilekwa detailed the New Dawn Administration’s determination to bring tangible progress to the chiefdom. The significant increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K30.6 million to K36.1 million was cited as a key driver. This investment has already led to the construction of the area’s first-ever secondary school, Mweniwisi Secondary School, alongside new classroom blocks and bursaries for students.

“Government has also made a pronouncement that every school has enough desks… so that no child sits on the floor,” PS announced, adding that CDF is also funding health centers, teachers’ houses, and grants for local entrepreneurs.

The recent construction of the all-weather ring road from Muyombe to Isoka via the Chief’s palace to Nzoche was presented as a testament to the government’s resolve to develop all parts of the country. The Chief and his subjects were called upon to support these poverty-alleviation efforts by actively monitoring CDF projects to ensure quality and timely delivery.

On agriculture, government reassured farmers of its support, noting the Food Reserve Agency’s (FRA) increase in the maize price to K340 per 50kg bag. This move, he said, is designed to make farming more profitable and encourage food security at both household and national levels.

In his conclusion, the Permanent Secretary thanked Chief Mweniwisi for successfully hosting the ceremony and acknowledged the invited Royal Highnesses in attendance.