Ethnic groups launch Malawi Cultural Heritage Association
In a rare and colourful occurrence, different ethnic groups from across the country came together on Saturday in Lilongwe to launch an umbrella body for all cultural organisations in the country.
The launch of cultural Heritage Association (CHA) attracted about 10 cultural associations which held performances to showcase their way of life.
Speaking during the event, CHA chairperson Richard Mdyetseni stated that the association aims at unifying, promoting and preserving diverse cultures.
He said: “We have a lot of small associations of different ethnic groups in the country. What we are now trying to do is bring all these associations together so that we can effectively promote our culture both nationally and internationally.”
The guest of honour, Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development Everton Chimulirenji stated that apart from promoting uniting among different ethnic groups, the formation of the association would also promote tourism.
Chimulirenji said: “Malawi has a lot of unique cultures that can provide a rich experience that a lot of tourists look for. By unifying all these cultures across the country we can promote tourism that will lead to economic development.”
Some of the cultural groups present at the launch were Chewa Heritage Foundation, Karonga-Chitipa Heritage Association, Mugumano wa Asena na Mang’anja, Mulhakho wa Ahlomwe, Chiwanja cha Ayawo, Ngoni Maseko and Mchinji Ngonis.
