Malawi Leader President says Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, says festivals like Umthetho, are a catalyst for tourism, to help the country stimulate economic growth. Chakwera made the remarks on Saturday at Hora Heritage Centre in Mzimba, where thousands of Malawians gathered to celebrate the annual Umthetho Cultural Festival. President Chakwera has always stressed the importance of ethnic groups in embracing its cultural heritage saying they contribute to the enhancement of tourism and cultural preservation efforts. In his remarks, President Chakwera explained that cultural festivals also have the potential to promote unity in the country. On this note, Chakwera emphasized that unity is of paramount importance as the country strives to realize vision Malawi 2063 agenda. He hailed the organizers of the event for inviting all Malawians of all ethnic background to participate in the ceremony. Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda called on Malawians to live in harmony with each other saying unity is the only key to the development of Malawi. In his remarks, Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa IV appealed to politicians to avoid politics of castigation as the company gets closer to 2025 general elections. “Am saddened because we are tampering with the peace that we have in this country. Am afraid, one day we may lose it and one thing that is threatening our peace is politics. Let me appeal to our political leaders to refrain from politics of castigation and dwell on real issues that can help our country to develop,” he emphasized. Prince of KwaZulu-Natal who is representing King MisuZulu KaZwelithini, the king of the Zulu nation said festivals like Umthetho are of paramount importance as they help people to preserve their culture. “When you see people upholding their culture, it means there is order, and order is important for the development of a nation,” he said. He further called upon Ngoni kings in the SADC region to join them in South Africa on their annual cultural celebrations. Professor Byson Moyo, Mzimba Heritage Board Chairperson said the Umthetho Cultural Festival is of paramount importance as it gives people an opportunity to come together and pay respects to their ancestors. Umthetho Cultural Festival Organizing Chairperson Emma Kaliya hailed Chakwera for his untiring support to the event. Post navigation Cultural events key in promoting tourism – Chakwera Umthetho critical in strengthening country’s unity: