By SAM PHIRI –

TWO foreign heads of state, Peter Mutharika of Malawi and Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique are expected to join President Edgar Lungu at this year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony, the national organising committee has announced.
National organising committee chairperson Noel Nkoma said in Lusaka yesterday when he received a donation of K20,000 from Metropolitan Life Zambia that former President Rupiah Banda is also expected to attend the annual event.
President Lungu and his counterparts are expected to join the ceremony that kicks off tomorrow and ends at the main arena on Saturday.
Mr Nkoma said this year’s ceremony is expected to be unprecedented in both the attendance and representations as over five senior chiefs have confirmed their participation.
“We are very grateful to our sponsors like Zamtel, MTN Zambia, and Metropolitan Life Zambia and many other sponsors for supporting this highly anticipated event both financially and materially,” he said.
With regards to preparations towards the ceremony, Mr Nkoma said about 97 per cent of the total budget was fulfilled with the total donations made so far.
He said this year’s event has also attracted high security measures from the State police that has assured the committee of security throughout the ceremony.
Mr Nkoma said the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) had also confirmed that it would mount safety points along the Great East road for the road travelers to and from the ceremony. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Zambia group finance manager Maunga Kwenda, who presented the donation on behalf of company managing director Florence Kazhanje said it was important for his company to preserve traditional ceremonies like the Nc’wala.
“We are making this donation to the organising committee to demonstrate our commitment towards the preservation of culture and contribute to passing on to the next generation,” he said.