Don’t lose your culture, HH urges GenZs

• President says traditional values give young people sense of belonging

CHISHALA MUSONDA

Kazungula

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says modernisation should not come at the expense of Zambia’s cultural identity, urging young people to take pride in their mother tongue, understand history and uphold the cultural heritage.

President Hichilema said education and cultural identity should complement each other, as traditional values give young people a sense of belonging and help them appreciate their roots while pursuing opportunities in life.

“Traditional ceremonies remain important institutions through which communities preserve their history, customs, values and identity,” he said.

The President said this in a speech read by Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Clement Andeleki during the Guta Mweenze Bbwe traditional ceremony of Chief Nyawa yesterday.

The ceremony, attended by 17 traditional leaders, was held under the theme “A chiefdom without culture has no future”.

President Hichilema said traditional ceremonies provide a link between generations and ensure that valuable cultural knowledge and traditions are preserved despite changes in society.

He said Guta Mweenze Bbwe holds historical and spiritual significance for the Tonga people of Nyawa chiefdom because of its connection to ancestral shrines, which remain an important part of the community’s heritage.

“Culture and development should move together as communities that preserve their identity while investing in people’s well-being are better positioned to build a confident and resilient future,” he said.

The President urged traditional leaders and elders to mentor young people and take responsibility for passing on cultural knowledge to future generations.

He also acknowledged challenges facing the chiefdom such as poor road network, access to clean water and agricultural production.

On social protection, he said 3,415 households in Nyawa chiefdom are benefiting from the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme.

He said Government is also investing in education through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which had supported the construction of dormitories and other infrastructure at Nyawa Secondary School.

The President said upgrades at Kanimabwa Primary School, including the construction of staff housing, are expected to improve learning conditions and supporting teacher retention. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home