President Rupiah Banda says government will continue supporting cultural events in the country because they are an important unifier.
Mr. Banda says traditional ceremonies play a cardinal role by breaking artificial tribal barriers.
And the President has said his government will continue involving chiefs in matters of national interest because of their critical role in the governance system of the country.
Mr. Banda said chiefs need to be involved in development issues because of their influence on their subjects.
He said traditional leaders do not only act as good mediators in matters of traditional boundary and succession dispute but also on matters of national development.
The President said this over the weekend in a speech read on his behalf by Community Development Deputy Minister Moses Muteteka.
This was during the Lwiindi Traditional ceremony of the Toka-Leya of chief Sekute in Kazungula District.
Meanwhile, the President disclosed during the ceremony that government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services under the department of culture affairs is currently undertaking a programme of constructing and rehabilitating cultural villages at provincial centers.
Mr. Banda said this is in order to provide venues where artists, artisans and cultural practitioners can train, produce and market their products.
He said the Provincial office in Livingstone will soon complete the construction of the Maramba Cultural Village where various cultural products and exhibits will be showcased for employment and wealth creation for the people.
The President encouraged artists and cultural practitioners to develop their skills and marketability if government’s programme of developing culture industry is to succeed.
And the President said the reduction of poverty among people lies on improved agriculture production.
He said government has put in place policies suitable to assist the vulnerable in society.
Mr. Banda said viable farmers such as those households headed by females, orphans, widows, the elderly and the disabled will have to acquire farming inputs.
He however, stressed that government gets very concerned when it hears stories of farmers selling the seeds and fertilisers because the trend poses a danger to food security at both household and national levels.
ZANIS
It is good as long it doesnt come with strings attached like when chiefs are told to speak against the opposition and for the government at these ceremonies.Like that of the ukusefya pangwena incidence
That is just political talk. Where leaders are serious you dont need to be told this and that will be done at this or that level but just see things springing up coz those charged with responsibilities of taking development ot the pipo are zee planning and delivering. We are yet to this prouncement being implemented oherwise it will be just wishful thinking. His Honour the VEEP GK promised the pipo of Solwezi that his PIG will be putting up MFEZ at Lumwana and US$ 1.2Billion would be made available. We are yet to see that being implemented. zNo one told him to make such a pronouncement and I take to be the truth from 2nd High office in our land.
This statement shoul be welcomed . \i think the traditional ceremonies have the capacity to become a monney spinner. Good for nothing dont be so negative…Politicians will always exist so you need accept them with their inherent weaknesses.