Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda has described unity and inclusivity as pillars that define Malawian civilization where various ethnic cultures and people are integrated and rally together even when faced with major setbacks.
Chimwendo was speaking yesterday at a cultural event in Lilongwe Msinja South Constituency that was organized to honour chiefs that continue to uphold the Chewa Culture and recognize the Gule Wankulu cult as part of heritage and development.
In his remarks the Minister who was the Guest of Honour at the event said a “strong and unified nation” is the pillar upon which the well-being of Malawians depend regardless of our cultural diversity.
“Our heritage is a source of identity and cohesion of our nation. It makes us who were are. Our culture shapes our morals and moulds us, and gives us a sense of belonging. Therefore, every person must be proud of their culture and ready to pass to the next generation”, said Chimwendo Banda who lauded the chiefs for keeping the Gule Wankulu sacrament from time immemorial.
Chimwendo who is also MCP National Youth Director further urged the chiefs to live in harmony with other people who believe in other cultural beliefs.
“A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden.” If there were only one kind of flower in the world, people will find it boring no matter how beautiful it is, therefore I would like to ask our traditional leaders to embrace the “diversity in unity” philosophy as a pillar of social cohesion and integration, said Chimwendo Banda while encouraging parents to send their children to school for them to become responsible leaders of the society.
Chimwendo who is also popular known as bulldozer in political circles for not being timid even if facing aggression from other quarters, told MCP supporters to continue rallying behind their beloved President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for continued Affordable Input Program, road infrastructure, construction of new school blocks among others.
In his remarks Member of Parliament for the area Francis Belekanyama praised President Chakwera for his vision of developing the country.
The Chewa Heritage Foundation representative lauded President Chakwera for continuing to elevate Chewa chiefs and uniting the country.
Several Members of Parliament and traditional leaders attended the function.
