Minister of Tourism and Arts, Rodney Sikumba says traditional ceremonies play an important role in the development of any nation.
Mr Sikumba said this in Mkushi district yesterday when he graced the 2022 Chibwelamushi ceremony for the Lala-Swaka people of Central Province.
He said culture plays a pivotal role in human life, adding that traditional ceremonies signify opportunities to appreciate diverse cultures of the country.
Mr Sikumba said apart from this, traditional ceremonies and arts have potential to add impetus to promoting the tourism industry as a money spinner.
He affirmed government’s commitment towards maintaining cordial working relations with chiefs as partners in all spheres of development.
Meanwhile, Chibwelamushi National Chairperson Benson Musonda observed that his association acknowledged the impact of progressive policies of the government.
Mr. Musonda however pointed out the need for the Government to ensure that its efforts to fight corruption is intensified in rural areas, adding that the scourge negatively affects development.
The ceremony was attended by Chiefs from Mkushi, Luano, Serenje as well as Chitambo Districts.
Meanwhile, Central Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa has reiterated Government’s determination to scale up the development prospects of the region.
Mr Nanjuwa stated this in Mkushi district where he attended the 2022 chibwelamushi ceremony for the Lala and Swaka people.
He said the Government is determined to enhance value addition on crops by facilitating manufacturing industries that would tap in on the high crop production in this region.
Mr Nanjuwe said the province is renowned for high production of wheat, maize soya beans amongst other crops adding that investments such as manufacturing would add more benefits through job creation as well as value addition on raw crops.
Hon. Nanjuwa also mentioned that Government is making efforts to ensure that the Zambia Environmental Management Agency(ZEMA) resolves pending issues that led to the recent closure of several mines in Mkushi District.
Meanwhile, Chibwelamushi National Chairperson Benson Musonda implored Government to ensure that local communities and local authorities derive benefits from Regulations that pertain to Land Ownership and mining Rights.
Mr. Musonda observed that mining issues continue to be a thorny topic in the area charging that local communities are used as tools of production without any meaningful gains.
The Traditional ceremony was Graced by Tourism and Arts Minister Rodney Sikumba(MP), and was attended by Chiefs from Mkushi, Serenje, Luano and Chitambo Districts.
