PRESS RELEASE (For immediate release) 19th September, 2026 PRESIDENT HICHILEMA REAFFIRMS GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PRESERVING ZAMBIA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has underscored that traditional ceremonies remain vital for preserving cultural identity, transmitting ancestral knowledge to the youth, and fostering National peace and unity. The President said this in a speech …
PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)
19th September, 2026
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA REAFFIRMS GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PRESERVING ZAMBIA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has underscored that traditional ceremonies remain vital for preserving cultural identity, transmitting ancestral knowledge to the youth, and fostering National peace and unity.
The President said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Administration), Dr. Gabriel Pollen during the celebration of the 2026 Chibwela Kumushi traditional ceremony of the Soli people in Mpanshya Chiefdom in Rufunsa District.
President Hichilema noted that the annual Chikwela Kumushi event offers a unique platform for the Soli community to celebrate their heritage while uniting traditional leaders, locals, and stakeholders.
He reaffirmed that the Government values traditional leadership as an essential partner in safeguarding national culture and driving grassroots development.
“We will, therefore, continue to strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders in addressing matters affecting their chiefdoms,” the President stated.
Highlighting ongoing Government interventions in Rufunsa District and the Mpanshya Chiefdom, President Hichilema detailed key milestones across multiple sectors:
Education: The free education policy continues to benefit children, including vulnerable households.
The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme supports 86 schools and 33,011 learners in the district, boosting school attendance and participation.
Girl Child Support: The Keeping Girls in School Programme actively assists 79 girls in Rufunsa District.
Agriculture: Preparations for the 2026–2027 farming season are underway, with 12,142 small-scale farmers targeted to receive continued agricultural support.
Chieftainess Mpanshya implored all Zambians to cherish and protect the Nation’s diverse ethnic traditions as a cornerstone for a cohesive and prosperous society.
Issued by:
(Original copy signed)
The Public Relations Unit
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
