Chief fears for loss of cultural values due to Covid-19

Traditional Authority (TA) Mwenemisuku has said Covid-19 pandemic has affected some cultural traditions, causing fear that some values may be forgotten if the pandemic prolongs.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Chitipa on Tuesday, T/A Mwenemisuku said some of the preventive measures recommended by the World Health Organisation have affected cultural traditions and customs.

The chief cited the ban on funeral gatherings, cultural dances and engagement ceremonies, as some traditions affected by the pandemic.

“We cannot prevent people from following the measures because it is for their own good, even though the measures have affected some of our customs.

“My fear is on how long the pandemic will stay, because if it stays for a longer period, it means some of our cultural values will be lost,” said Mwenemisuku.

The T/A said that he has set up a Covid-19 task force in his area to intensify awareness campaigns on Covid-19 prevention measures.

Commenting on the issue, Bridget Kapenda, Ndolo traditional dancer, said it with take time for traditional customs to get back to normal because people are now starting to get used to being without some of the traditions.

“Most people are now used to seeing life the way it is now with less activity, so it is possible that some of the cultural values might be lost when this is over,” she said.

Chitipa District is yet to register a coronavirus case which has so far killed four people in the country out of 101 registered cases.