Mtambo graces Mkulamchere cultural celebrations as it centres on Ending child marriages

The Minister of Civic Education and National Unity Timothy Mtambo on Saturday graced the Mkula Mchere cultural celebrations in Rumphi. He was the guest of honour at the event that took place at Senior Chief Mwankhunikira headquarters.This is an yearly event that is celebrated as part  of appreciating cultural existence.

Mkulamchere celebrations this year was held under the theme Ending Child Marriages as the chiefs aim to civic educate the locals on the need to end the tradition of getting young girls into marriage an at early age. Mtambo  presence as Minister of National Unity  was warmly appreciated by the chiefs and the locals in the area. He becomes the first minister to grace the occasion since the founding of the Mkulamchere heritage.

Mtambo at Mkulamchere Cultural celebrations in Rumphi

Speaking to reporters at the end of the ceremony Hon Timothy Mtambo said  he was happy that the organisers of the cultural event had decided to theme it Ending Child Marriages “ Government is at the forefront of eradicating child marriages and it is good to see traditional chiefs taking this proactive role. We need to end child marriages as it evil“

On the the cultural event , the honourable minister  said cultural celebrations are good for Malawi as  they help to unify people .”These events helps to promote unity and diversity . Culture brings identity to the people . We have young people here who are learning cultural activities that the old generation were doing “ . He went on to say these events are learning experiences for the young generation and helps to preserve the culture as it is being passed from generation to generation .

On his part senior chief Mwankhunikira thanked the honourable minister for making himself available to attend the event “We thank Hon Mtambo for honouring us by attending this event ,this cultural event is important to us as its a way to remember our ancestors, our  kids need  to know where our grandfathers come from and how they lived”

The Minister receiving gift of the a Goat from the chiefs

Mtambo also took advantage of the event to encourage young people  to rise up to the occasion and not fall prey to politicians who only want them for votes or political violence. He highlighted that  time has come  for the youths to use their energy for positive things such as development , educations and Job creation. He also reminded the people on issues of mob justice where he encouraged  them to refrain from taking the law into their own hands but to involve the police or traditional leaders if they have any differences. The minister assured the people that Government under the leadership of Dr Lazarus Chakwera  is geared to help them , empower them and work towards developing the country.

 As a symbolic gesture of respect, the chief gave Mtambo a gift of a goat .