President Hichilema Graces 2024 Lunda-Lubanza Ceremony, Calls for Cultural Preservation and Tourism Development
President Hakainde Hichilema was the guest of honour at the 2024 Lunda-Lubanza Traditional Ceremony in Zambezi District today, an event that brought together the Lunda people from Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
The ceremony, celebrated in conjunction with Zambia’s 60th independence anniversary, highlighted the importance of cultural diversity in fostering national unity.
In his address, President Hichilema emphasized the significance of traditional ceremonies in preserving and passing on Zambia’s rich cultural heritage to future generations. He remarked that such events have the unique power to unite the nation, especially in times of adversity.
“This year’s Lunda-Lubanza takes place at a crucial moment in our country’s history, as we face the challenges of an El Niño-induced drought that has severely impacted many parts of Zambia,” President Hichilema said. “It is more important than ever that we come together to celebrate our heritage and strengthen our bonds of unity.”
The President also urged the Mukandakunda Royal Establishment and the ceremony’s organizing committee to work closely with the government in transforming the Lunda-Lubanza into a major tourist attraction.
He highlighted the potential of the event to showcase Zambia’s rich cultural diversity to the world, thereby contributing to the country’s economic development.
“The Lunda-Lubanza is not just a celebration of our past; it is a beacon of hope for our future. By developing this ceremony into a tourist attraction, we can share our cultural wealth with the world and bolster our economy,” President Hichilema added.
The Lunda-Lubanza Traditional Ceremony, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Lunda people, serves as a platform for fostering regional unity among the Lundas from Angola, the DRC, and Zambia.
This year’s event, coinciding with Zambia’s independence milestone, resonated deeply with the theme of embracing diversity to create harmony and unity within the nation.
