By JACK MWEWA –
CROSS-CULTURAL marriages help to unite the country and are one gesture that proves Zambians are above tribal inclinations, according to Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge.

. Musenge

Mr Musenge was speaking last Sunday at the wedding of Gabin Mofya and Precious Machipisha at Mukuba Hotel in Ndola where he was guest of honour.
“Marriages across tribes are healthy to the unity of Zambia as they help unite the country,” Mr Musenge said. “If there was one thing I would get rid off given the opportunity, it would be the tribe thing.”
The provincial minister said people who married across tribes were building blocks to a stronger and united nation that valued human beings more than tribal inclinations.
Mr Musenge said in a nation like Zambia where the ugly trend of tribalism had the potential to divide the citizens, the Government respected the practice of blending cultures.
“Zambia has witnessed attempts to divide the nation based on tribes and regions, a move that must be fought through marriages of cross-cultures,” Mr Musenge said.
He urged the newlywed couple to invite God whenever they faced challenges in their marriage, and that any outsider would only confuse them.
“Try to invite God whenever you are faced with any challenge in your marriage, don’t trust outsiders who will only gossip and broadcast your differences to the whole world,” Mr Musenge said.
At the same function, Works and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga urged the couple to craft their own style of marriage and not to emulate others.
“Not all marriages are the same. This is not a ‘shipikisha’ club (a club of hardships) as others might say, it is an ordained union initiated by God. Therefore, set your own standards and enjoy it,” Mr Mukanga said.