By HELLEN TEMBO –
AIRTEL Zambia has donated K68,750 towards the hosting of the N’cwala traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province, with a pledge to continue supporting traditional ceremonies in the country.
Presenting the cheque in Lusaka yesterday, Airtel Zambia marketing director Sekou Barry said as part of sponsors of this year’s N’cwala ceremony, the company had invested K68,750.
Mr Barry said K30,000 would be given as cash towards the hosting requirements while the rest would go towards material support through donation of phones and books about the ceremony.
“To show our commitment towards cultural preservation, we went a step further and published a book on Zambia’s traditional ceremonies and cultures,” he said.
Mr Barry said Airtel believed that cultural property was the product and witness of different traditions and achievements of the past.
He said it was an essential element in the personality of the Zambian people.
Mr Barry noted that information in the ceremony book would help preserve cultural heritage and go a long way in explaining the rich cultural, political, social and educational values.
Mr Barry praised the Government and the N’cwala organising committee for ensuring the protection and preservation of the cultural heritage of mankind, as much as the promotion of social and economic development.
N’cwala organising committee chairperson Brighton Ngoma thanked Airtel Zambia for being the pioneer in supporting traditional ceremonies and for being the main sponsor of all time.
President Edgar Lungu is expected to officiate at this year’s ceremony.