The Ukusefya Pangw’ena National Organising Committee says the Litunga of the Lozi people and Paramount Chief Chitimukulu have shown great stewardship by bringing two big tribes together in a special way.

The Ukusefya Pangw’ena National Organizing Committee Chairperson, Bwalya Chiteba said the gesture that the two leaders have shown by reuniting the people who once upon a time came from the same place is commendable.

Dr Chiteba explained that the Bembas and the Lozi’s have an identical origin and can trace their roots to one place.

The committee has since thanked the people of Barotseland for the good hospitality shown during their stay in Mongu.

Dr Chiteba said this in an interview with ZANIS in Mongu District.

`This is a journey that started before the Litunga came to grace Ukusefya Pangw’ena and there was a promise that it would be reciprocated, and this is basically the culmination of that. If we go back into history, these two tribes actually have identical origins, and so what the Litunga and Paramount chief Chitimukulu have done is reunite these people who come from the same place of origin. ” He explained.

And Northern Province Culture Officer, Vester Zille has appealed to traditional leadership in the other parts of the country to emulate what the Barotse Royal Establishment and Bemba Royal Establishment (BREs) have done.

Mr Zile explained that the cultural exchange programme is one of the ways to foster unity and development in the country.

“We do not have government officials to officiate at the ceremonies all the time; of course, we need government support, but we also need traditional leaders to engage themselves by,’’ he said.