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(LUSAKATIMES) No politics at Kulamba ceremony, says Chief Gawa Undi

No politics at Kulamba ceremony, says Chief Gawa Undi
September 8, 2008

The Chewa Royal Establishment in Katete district of Eastern province has banned wearing of political attires at this year’s Kulamba ceremony which takes place on Saturday this week.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Katete today, Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi’s senior Induna, Joseph Chikuta, said the Chewa Royal Establishment has banned the wearing of political attires at the ceremony to avoid adulterating the purpose of the ceremony.

Mr. Chikuta said the establishment has learnt in the past that mixing culture with politics especially during campaign periods could trigger differences among political rivals.
He said once political differences occur at ceremonies, the purpose of the cultural event is defeated.

He said the establishment wanted to strongly uphold the purpose of the ceremony and not to create a campaign stage for politicians.

Kulamba ceremony of the Chewa people in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, which is cerebrated annually, takes place this Saturday in Katete district at paramount chief Kalonga Gawa Undi’s Mkaika palace.

Acting President Rupiah Banda, in the company of several senior government officials, is expected to grace the ceremony.

Senior government officials from Mozambique and Malawi are also expected to be in attendance.

Last year, the ceremony was graced by late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, Malawian President Mbingu Wa Mtarika and Mozambique’s Armando Guebuza.

Meanwhile, preparations for the ceremony at the arena are almost complete and preliminary activities will start on Wednesday.

ZANIS/LNN/KSH/ENDS

Labels: CHEWA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT, CHIEF UNDI, KATETE

posted by MrK @ 9:08 PM