District Commissioner, Elemani Mwanza, says government should put in place deliberate policy measures to enrich the country’s several cultural identities in order to build up a rich and diverse national heritage.
Speaking in Katete at the Cultural revival night organized by the Eastern province culture department on Saturday, Mr Mwanza said culture is an important developmental tool which constitutes a fundamental dimension of the development process.
He added that culture defines the distinctive spiritual, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or social group.
He further observed that promotion of Arts and cultural activities can help harness local talents, skills and heritage that may provide innovative possibilities for raising incomes, generating quality employment, and wealth creation.
He bemoaned the increasing abuse of artists by business entities who pay the extremely low wages when they engage them for performances during functions.
He called for the stop to the alleged abuse of artists because it destroys the development of culture.
He noted that artists also deserve better funding because it is that same money which they depend on for their livelihood.
And speaking earlier Eastern province cultural officer, Josphat Lombe, also bemoaned the abuse of artists in eastern province.
Mr .Lombe said the abuse of artists was a draw back in the promotion of culture.
He observed that culture was an important aspect in fostering national economic development and every country including Zambia should value and uphold it.
The cultural Revival night function which was organised by the Eastern Province Department of Culture was attended by several artists from various parts of Eastern province.
The function gave artists an opportunity to mingle and share their experiences and skills
[ZANIS]
The Zambian government’s insistence that the medical condition of President Levy Mwanawasa is “stable” after his stroke in June reminds me of the similar report from the SA government in February 1989 that President PW Botha was “stable” after suffering a stroke a few days before.
“For the first time in his career,” remarked a cynical old sub-editor.
The Zambia government’s reassurances have been received with similar cynicism by Zambians, although for different reasons.
They are convinced that Mwanawasa is permanently incapacitated and that the government doesn’t want to admit it for fear of unleashing a destabilising power struggle not only within the body politic as a whole but
Coronation of English Sovereigns – Edward II, The Martyr’ … Pavilion Aldershot’, ‘Coronation Guest – King Lewanika of Barotseland’ Chitimukulu was busy defacating in the bush!.
I would like to apologise to my fellow Zambian’s the bemba’s.
I do agree with elimani mwanza, the much needed social capital lies in our culture. For those on the ground(zed), kindly update us on what the dept of culture & social development is doing in order to reawaken the spirit of cultural diversity, the catalyst of innovation/creativity. Also as an instrument of social cohesion.
One is reminded of the KK days when artists were paid their dues so much that we celebrate them today such as PK chishala, amayenge, burning youth, henry tayali etc…..
The playhouse was the place tobe over the weekends and various groups would come and showcase their artistic talent.
Art is a reflection of society, unless we start seeing ourselves for who we are im
cont/
unless we start seeing ourselves for who we are, improvement shall always be an elusive animal- kinda of like boxing after the wind.
Agreed #4.We must start promoting our culture very aggressive and it all starts with laws and policies.NCC should in the new law, create a framework or guidance for formulation of these policies.KK did it by unifying us, and making us feel very equal was very important at that time, we are reaping the results now i.e peace.With our focus on tourism if we do this right we can hit the right notes.The govt should support all cultural activities from school level and up in society.After I have lived in SA over 12 years I realise how strong our cultural up bringing is in Zed.
From my own perspective, i feel that the govt is now afraid of further promoting of the so-called culture.i really do agree with it for just one observation:it has become too expensive for the govt on grounds that each and every tribe wants to come with one even where it never existed.i cant even count how many celebrations are being celebrated now and for which recognition is being advocated for highly but yet ignoring the costs attached to each one of those.cultures are being revised and manufactured more or less like products and services which their life span is determined by technological advancements on the market.promotion must be there but to some identified developmental causes only