𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 — 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭

In a speech delivered on her behalf by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift S. Sialubalo, during a fundraising gala dinner, the Vice President described the annual Bemba traditional ceremony as a powerful symbol of identity, unity, and development.

“Traditional ceremonies such as Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena are not mere rituals of the past, they are living expressions of our national identity,” she said. “They reflect our people’s history, values, and worldview, and they remain critical to our shared development agenda.”

Set to take place from 7th to 9th August in Mungwi District, this year’s Ukusefya Pa Ng’wena is expected to attract a wide range of participants from within and outside Zambia. The Vice President commended the Bemba Royal Establishment, led by His Royal Highness Chitimukulu Kanyanta-Manga II, for their efforts in keeping Zambia’s cultural traditions alive.

She stressed that the Government values traditional leaders not only as custodians of culture but as key development partners in rural transformation, peacebuilding, and community mobilisation.

“Our Constitution recognises the role of traditional leadership in national governance,” she said. “This is why Government continues to invest in traditional institutions and ceremonies that promote social cohesion and inclusive growth.”

The Vice President urged the private sector to treat their support for cultural events not as corporate expenditure, but as a strategic investment in national identity, tourism promotion, and community empowerment.

“By partnering with traditional institutions, companies become part of something timeless, the enduring soul of our Nation,” she said.

She concluded by encouraging all Zambians and international guests to travel to Mungwi.