Chief Mbang’ombe of the Chewa people of Katete and Sinda Districts in Eastern Province has called for preservation of traditions and customs in the country as they are critical in shaping society.

The Chief notes  this is because traditions and customs provide a bedrock upon which nations can thrive for generations .

He states that minus upholding its cultural values, a nation lacks identity and is prone to polarisation. 

The Chief made the remarks during the 2024 Gule Cultural Festival held at Mkaika, the traditional headquarters of the Chewa people.

“Traditional values, beliefs and customs show where one is coming from. It’s not just about dancing, but shows our way of life and where we are coming from.

” We know of were someone is coming from because of our cultural values 

So our traditional beliefs are very important so that our children can grow into better citizens,” he said.

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary (PS) Paul Thole on the other hand has reaffirmed  government’s commitment to upholding culture and traditions adding that  they are an embodiment of Zambia’s heritage from time immemorial.

“We are having the Gule festival for the third year running, this is despite the many challenges that we have faced as a country and despite the challenges, we have seen it fit that the Gule festival should be held. 

” Some of the challenges that  we are going through or some of the achievements that we are going through are expressed through Gule, through the dance and through the songs that we are having.

” As provincial administration we look forward to making sure that this event keeps on going, our President and the government values tradition,” he said in a speech read for him by Director Finance Vincent Sampa.

And a spectator Veronica Magawa appreciated the various performances that were displayed adding that such should be showcased even beyond the borders of the district.

“It was nice seeing different types of Gule and my hope and trust is that this will go beyond Katete and Eastern Province because this is a very rich culture,” she said.

This year’s Gule Festival attracted performances from Five groups, a reduction from last year’s performance that had 13 groups.

Despite the small number of groups, the gathering saw ecstatic  performances  such as  turning small stones into biscuits, a black plastic into a Chitenge Material, water mixed with an egg turning  into juice among others.

Other performances included displaying various snakes.