Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called on Zambians to uphold the spirit of unity embodied in the country’s motto, One Zambia, One Nation, saying traditional ceremonies remain key platforms for promoting national cohesion. Mrs Nalumango says traditional ceremonies are important national assets that bring people together regardless of their backgrounds and strengthen the nation’s shared […]

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called on Zambians to uphold the spirit of unity embodied in the country’s motto, One Zambia, One Nation, saying traditional ceremonies remain key platforms for promoting national cohesion.

Mrs Nalumango says traditional ceremonies are important national assets that bring people together regardless of their backgrounds and strengthen the nation’s shared identity.

She notes that government values traditional ceremonies such as the Mutomboko traditional ceremony of the Lunda people of Luapula Province because they help foster unity and preserve the country’s cultural heritage

The Vice President said this in Lusaka last evening during the fundraising cultural gala dinner held in preparation for the 2026 Mutomboko traditional ceremony scheduled for July 25 in Mwansabombwe district of Luapula Province.

“One nation that is who we are. No one should divide us. That is why we are here for Mutomboko because it is part of the Zambian heritage,” she said.

She stressed that culture plays a significant role in shaping people’s values and character and called for greater efforts in promoting cultural understanding among young people.

Mrs Nalumango said the government, through the tourism sector, has continued to market traditional ceremonies as key tourism products in an effort to promote Zambia’s cultural diversity and attract visitors.

The Vice President further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving, promoting and documenting Zambia’s diverse cultural heritage, describing culture as a strategic resource for national development.

The Vice President also donated an undisclosed amount of money towards the successful hosting of the Mutomboko traditional ceremony.

And Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony Organising Committee Chairperson, Anthony Mukuwa, said this year’s event is particularly significant as it marks 300 years of the existence and continuity of the Lunda culture.

Mr Mukuwa said the ceremony remains one of Africa’s most enduring cultural traditions and continues to showcase the history, values and resilience of the Kazembe Lunda Kingdom.

He disclosed that the fundraising Committee expected to raise about K2 million from the night gala.

Meanwhile, Platinum Courier Services Limited donated K210, 000 towards the ceremony.

Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) also donated K200, 000 towards the ceremony.More than K1 million was raised in cash and pledges during the fundraising gala dinner.