Mwanamvekha calls for unity, cultural preservation

By Tarcizio Mondwe & Chipangano Andisen 

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamvekha, has called on Malawians to use cultural heritage to promote unity, mutual support and environmental conservation while preserving traditional values for future generations.

Mwanamvekha made the call on Sunday when he presided over the 2026 Mulhako wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival at Chonde Cultural Heritage Centre in Mulanje.

Delivering a message from President Peter Mutharika to the Lhomwe community and Malawians, Mwanamvekha said the President loves them and wishes them well.

“We are here because of the founder of Mulhako, Bingu wa Mutharika, and our current patron, Peter Mutharika,” he said.

He said the patron understands the importance of preserving ancestral teachings and cultural values, which serve as pillars of unity and cultural identity.

Mwanamvekha commended this year’s festival theme, saying cultural preservation should go hand in hand with environmental conservation to safeguard natural resources for future generations.

The 2026 Mulhakho wa Ahlomwe Cultural Festival was held under the theme ‘Heritage Preservation for Sustainable Development’.

“Whenever we cut down one tree, we should plant five others. Let’s protect natural resources for future generations,” he said.

He praised efforts to add value to Lhomwe cultural products, including those used for medicinal and economic purposes, noting that cultural heritage can contribute to economic development.

Mwanamvekha cautioned against tribalism in accessing public services and opportunities, including agricultural inputs, loans and education, stressing that development should benefit all communities fairly.

Board Chairperson for Mulhako wa Alhomwe, Muchanakhwaye Mpuluka, said they have opened a cultural gallery where people can access Lhomwe cultural products at any time as part of efforts to preserve and promote the community’s heritage.

Mpuluka added that the Lhomwe community has strengthened value-addition initiatives to improve the use and economic benefits of traditional products, citing the processing of gondolosi into juice instead of consuming it directly.

He also disclosed intentions to introduce a programme similar to Mtukula Pakhomo, which will initially target at least five beneficiaries in each district during the pilot phase.

Paramount Chief Kaduya described elderly people as custodians of cultural history and tradition, saying they should not be abused or accused of witchcraft.

“It’s sad that older people are being tortured over false allegations,” she said.

Kaduya emphasised the need for peace and unity in churches, communities and other institutions, noting that political differences and clan divisions can undermine development.

Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival brings together people to celebrate Lhomwe cultural heritage and promote unity among people from different tribes in Malawi and abroad.