The government has called on Malawians to value their culture and traditions, saying this will promote unity despite diverse cultural backgrounds.
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamvekha, who represented President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika at this year’s Mulhako Wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival, delivered the message at Chonde in Mulanje.
Mwanamvekha stated that cultural identity is the backbone of unity and that Malawians must preserve and promote their diverse cultures to enhance coexistence.
“No culture is superior to the other; all of us are one people with different cultures, so it is imperative to coexist and support development initiatives”. Said Mwanamvekha.
Mwanamvekha said President Mutharika wants a unified Malawi despite different cultural backgrounds, noting that development can only thrive when people are united.
He noted this is why President Mutharika, under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is championing development activities across the country through the Reformed Constituency Development Fund.
“All the constituencies have received CDF resources to spearhead development without excuse. President Mutharika is delivering development without fanfare. By the end of two years, every district will have good infrastructure. Said Mwanamvekha.
Paramount Chief Kaduya of the Lhomwe people used the platform to call on traditional leaders to denounce early marriages in their areas and to encourage children to work hard in education.
The Lhomwe Paramount Chief said the annual gathering provides an opportunity to promote cultural identity, unity, and preservation of cultural values and traditions.
“This is our time to celebrate our unique culture. Let’s celebrate it with our food, traditional medicine and dances. This is what we are known for as Lhomwe people. While promoting our culture, let us also use it to denounce child marriage and encourage children to go to school,” said Paramount Chief Kaduya.
Activities marking the 2026 Mulhako Wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival, which began on Friday, reached a climax on Sunday as tens of thousands of Lhomwe people from across Malawi and beyond filled the Chonde venue to celebrate their heritage and tradition.
The cultural Festival displayed a blend of glamour and tradition, with patrons sampling Lhomwe food, traditional medicine, and enjoying traditional dances.
Traditional leaders from various ethnic backgrounds and international dignitaries attended the colourful cultural event, a development that showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Organisers say the festival, arguably the biggest cultural festival in the country, attracted over 60,000 people.
