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(NYASATIMES) Mutharika says nothing wrong for him to be patron of Mulhakho

Mutharika says nothing wrong for him to be patron of Mulhakho
By Nyasa Times
Published: October 25, 2009

President Bingu wa Mutharika says Malawians of different tribes have the right to celebrate their traditions in their own different styles, and therefore it is not wrong for him even if he is Head of State to be patron of the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe grouping.

Mutharika was speaking to thousands of Malawians and other nationals from across the nation who braved the scorching heat to gather at Chonde in Mulanje, southern Malawi, to celebrate the organizations first anniversary on Sunday, October 25.

The Malawi leader, a Lhomwe himself from the southern district Thyolo, said this in reaction to critics who have been questioning why he should be patron of Mulhakho wa Alhomwe organization when he was president of all ethnic groups in the southern African state.

“Am surprised as to why I should not exercise my right to be part of this organization,” said Wa Mutharika who proudly and ably addressed the gathering in Lhomwe and Chichewa languages.

“I was a Lhomwe before becoming president of this country and I will always be after descending from the seat of presidency,” said Mutharika.

The President said he founded the heritage, which he repeatedly reminded Malawians was a non-political organization.

He further said as all tribes in the country were proud of their languages, dances, food and different cultural tribes, the Lhomwes, were not turning back from digging, preserving and promoting their culture.

“I would like to tell all jealousy people not to dare stopping us because we will not be moved,” assured Mutharika who added as president he would continue attending and encouraging different events promoting various tribal values in Malawi.

Speaking earlier, Mulhakho wa Alhomwe chairperson Joseph Mwanamveka also observed that the formation of their organization would promote togetherness among the Lhomwes and other tribes in Malawi and beyond her borders.

President Mutharika also performed the official opening of a Lhomwe school at Chonde, which according to the grouping aims at enabling all Lhomwes and non-Lhomwes of different age groups not able to write or speak Lhomwe to learn the language. They also say the institution will benefit the next Lhomwe generation.

Besides diplomats of different countries in Malawi, the anniversary celebrations were also attended by other Malawian tribal chiefs as well as Chief Mutharika from Mozambique and a representative of Kalonga Gawa Undi Paramount Chief of the Chewa tribe in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

Mulhako wa Alhomwe was formed twelve months ago with the aim of reviving, developing, promoting and preserving the Alhomwe traditions, culture, customs and cultural heritage.

Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, CEREMONIES

posted by MrK @ 6:58 PM