North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi has called for the preservation of traditional ceremonies for the present and future generations as they remain an integral part in Zambia’s rich cultural heritage.
Mr Mulumbi said that the preservation and promotion of culture is essential for maintaining Zambia’s identity and pride.
He said it is everyone’s responsibility to teach the younger generation on the beauty of traditional customs and their significance.
Mr Mulumbi said this in Kasempa today during the celebration of the Juba Ja Nsomo golden Jubilee ceremony of Senior Chief Kasempa of the Kaonde speaking people who ascended to the throne in 1976.
He said traditional ceremonies play a key role in promoting unity in diversity adding Zambians should be proud of the country’s diverse and rich cultural heritage and take time to learn different cultures in order to understand each other and consequently live in harmony as one people in line with the one Zambia One Nation motto.
”These traditions are the anchor that binds us to our past and provides guidance for the future,” Mr Mulumbi.
Mr Mulumbi said people must ensure cultural practices including customs, artisanal skills and songs are passed on to the younger generations adding that it is through such continuous transmission that Zambia’s cultural heritage will not only be safeguarded but also remain vibrant and relevant in the modern World.
He commended Senior chief Kasempa for his positive contributions in delivering meaningful social and economic development in his chiefdom throughout his 50 years of reign on the throne.
”It is for this reason that government acknowledges the significance of the Juba Ja Nsomo traditional ceremony which promotes food security through the celebration of a good harvest. A successful harvest not only sustains our families but also strengthens our economy and ensures that resources are available to support one another,” Mr Mulumbi said.
He assured the traditional leader and his people that the government remains committed to the implementation of developmental projects and programmes in all sectors of the economy aimed at improving people’s livelihoods by bringing development closer to the people.
Mr Mulumbi highlighted some of the developmental projects government has Implemented to improve the welfare of people in Kasempa under the 2022-2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) community projects in line with Presidential directives as drilling of 122 boreholes and equipped and 93 boreholes have been rehabilitated,
”Others are four pieces of earthmoving equipment (motor grader, water Bowser, roller compactor and tipper truck) procured and constructed two Chiefs palaces for Senior Chief Kasempa and Chief Ingwe,” he said.
Mr Mulumbi said government has also constructed and operationalised the Mukema police Post, graded feeder roads, procured 6,000 school desks and 2000 beneficiaries of CDF bursaries for secondary and skills development.
Meanwhile, organising committee Chairperson Norman Katombela has congratulated Senior Chief Kasempa for attaining 50 years on the throne and for his steadfast leadership and dedication to promoting cultural practices, values and norms that bind his people together.
Mr Katombela said the celebration is a testament to the enduring power of customs and the importance of preserving culture.
”It is through ceremonies like this that we reaffirm our connection to our ancestors and to ourselves, “he said.
