PF government will not politicize traditional ceremonies

Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda says the PF government does not want to politicize traditional ceremonies because it respects traditional leaders.

Mr Shamenda said traditional ceremonies should not be taken as fora for political campaigns as it dilutes the importance display of Zambia’s cultural heritage.

He was speaking at the Malaila traditional ceremony of the Kunda people of Mambwe district in Eastern province.
Mr Shamenda said politics should be like a sport where there is only one champion saying competitors support the winner after the game.

He stated that PF is the only winner at the moment and advised all opposition political parties to support the government as it delivers development to the nation.

Mr Shamenda said government has embarked on developmental activities to ensure that lives of the people are improved.

He said that it is sad that the majority of youths in the country have remained unemployed, ill educated and without any formal skills to enable them earn a living in society and contribute to national development.

Mr Shamenda said that it is for this reason that infrastructure development such as the construction of the Chipata-Mfuwe road, schools, health centres and improving agriculture and tourism sectors remain top on government’s developmental agenda.

He stated that six health facilities will be constructed in Mambwe district with support from the Indian government.

He also said that government attaches importance to the tourism sector which is the main economic activity of Mambwe district.

Mr Shamenda noted that a tourism industry based on a well designed government policy can be a driving force in the economic development of the country as it can contribute to employment creations.

“Government remains focused in improving the tourism sector’s competitiveness by streamlining the regulatory environment as well as put in place tax incentives to promote growth of the industry,’ he said.

And Mr Shamenda has since advised the local people against criticizing government on the removal of subsidies but instead demand that it accounts for resources saved from the subsidies.

He said the removal of subsidies is intended to enhance development in various sectors of the economy.

And Mr Shamenda has expressed concern over wrangles on succession disputes and chiefdom boundaries which he said deters development in rural areas.

He advised the traditional leaders to resolve such disputes saying government will only intervene.

Meanwhile, Senior chief Nsefu of the Kunda people of Mambwe district has appealed to government to expedite the K104 million construction works on the Chipata-Mfuwe road.

Speaking through the Kulamba traditional ceremony National Organizing Committee Chairperson, Dr Davison Kwendakwema, Chief Nsefu said the works which started in 2009 have dragged and stressed the need to hasten the road works.

Chief Nsefu observed that the Chipata-Mfuwe road is essential to the development of Mambwe district saying its completion will ease the transportation of goods and services for the local people.

He also noted that it will attract more tourists to visit the South Luangwa National Park and also attend the Malaila traditional ceremony of the Kunda people which is an annual event.

Chief Nsefu also commended government for its plans to construct another road that will connect the district to Chief Nabwalya’s area in Northern province.

He however, stressed the need to take into account the environment and wildlife to ensure that they are protected as plans to construct the road are being made.

And Senior chief Nsefu has expressed concern about the persistent human/animal conflict in Mambwe district.

He stated that though the issue has been brought to the attention of government, little has been done to resolve the matter.

He appealed to government to engage all stakeholders among them, the Malambo Cultural Association in order to find a lasting solution to the human/animal conflict in that area.

Senior chief Nsefu also expressed concern that Mambwe district may experience hunger due to the drought that was experienced in the 2012/13 farming season.

The traditional leader said his subject are faced with hunger and appealed to government to provide more relief food to the area.
Chief Nsefu also expressed sadness that government is reluctant to provide him with a special hunting license each time he requests for it.

He noted that he usually struggles to be given the license stating that he is usually not given enough animals when hosting the Malaila traditional ceremony.

The Malaila traditional ceremony is an annual event where the Kunda people celebrate the killing which used to terrorize them.