The Tonga Traditional Assocation (TTA) has urged Tourism , Environment and Natural Resources Minister Cathrine Namugala to fully utilise traditional ceremonies to market the country’s tourism.

In an interview with ZANIS yesterday, TTA president Dickson Namanza said it is unfortunate to note that Ms Namugala’s ministry has to date not recognized the potential of some traditional ceremonies, apart from ones like Kuomboka,Ncwala and Umutomboko ceremonies, to market the country’s tourism internationally.

Mr.Namanza said traditional ceremonies held in other provinces such as the Gonde Lwiindi ceremony of the Tonga speaking people have not been receiving overwhelming support from the ministry.
He said the association was trying hard to ensure that the Gondo Lwiindi ceremony in particular, is put on the world map in order for international tourists to appreciate the rich Tonga tradition.

Mr.Namanza said government must also consider revising grants given to traditional ceremonies saying the standardised K 2.5 million grant was not sufficient.
He however commended MTN for supporting the recently held Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people by donating K90 million to ensure its success.

Mr.Namanza called on other stakeholders to emulate MTN’s gesture by supporting other traditional ceremonies as this would go a long way in enhancing the traditon and culture of all tribes in the country.
He said the TTA was already on the ground preparing for the 2009 Gonde Lwiindi ceremony to be held in July in Monze district.

Mr.Namanza said the TTA would ensure that traditional discipline is consolidated and promoted through providing excellence in receiving people from all walks of life.

ZANIS/PB/ENDS/MM.

8 COMMENTS

Shimuchita panono April 22, 2009 At 11:54 am

Govt once said they would only recognize one traditional ceremony per province.Does it make sense?
Chiwowota April 22, 2009 At 1:07 pm

Yea,our government needs to be creative, our nation is rich in cultural heritages and if well supported and funded can be a good source forex.Zambia is rich in resources we have rivers, land etc lets not just depend copper we have a bear economy its copper, lets get mother Zambia moving.
Mwana Muchende April 22, 2009 At 1:42 pm

Government recognises all ceremonies in the country, they are a country’s resource and our heritage too. Govt once said it would consider funding only one traditional ceremony per province and not that it would only recognize one per province
Shimuchita panono April 22, 2009 At 2:24 pm

#3 if you are not funded and others are, then what does it mean? You are simply not recognized.
Deja Vu April 22, 2009 At 2:46 pm

She has a prety face that is enuff to attract tourists
Ba Moze April 22, 2009 At 4:21 pm

#1, They didnt know what they were talking about. They forgot we had over 72 tribes!
Shimuchita panono April 22, 2009 At 4:27 pm

#6, You are right, I hope they have now come back to their senses.
Maestro Hhehhehhehhe April 23, 2009 At 9:46 am

” In an interview with ZANIS yesterday, TTA president Dickson Namanza said it is unfortunate to note that Ms Namugala’s ministry has to date not recognized the potential of some traditional ceremonies, apart from ones like Kuomboka,Ncwala and Umutomboko ceremonies, to market the country’s tourism internationally is very good advice to the MMD GRZ. There is no reason to try to promote tourism as a national economy reviver if no measures of such magnitude are put in place.

Thank you TTA for your timely words on “He said the TTA was already on the ground preparing for the 2009 Gonde Lwiindi ceremony to be held in July in Monze district” also. Let those with ears hear and those that can help help the situation.