MWALITETA

By SYLVIA MWEETWA and MAYA NTANDA-
THE Government has maintained that it will not interfere in the selection process of traditional leaders.
Central Province Minister Obvious Mwaliteta, however, said the Government would insist on transparency in the selection process through the Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Ministry.
Speaking in Luano District during the installation of Boyd Chomba as Chief Chikupili at the  weakened, Mr Mwaliteta said  the selection process would  always remain the task of the royal family members.
In a speech read for him by acting Central Province  Permanent Secretary Ronald Sinyangwe, Mr Mwaliteta said  the selection of Chief Chikupili, which was  wrangle-free, was a  clear testimony  that ascending  to  the  throne  could be peaceful if the family  tree was followed as a guide in the  process.
He challenged  other chiefs  to emulate  the people  of  Chikupili for the peaceful  manner  they handled  the selection  following the death of the previous chief last year after being  on the throne for 53 years and that it was possible to avoid disputes if proper channels were followed.
The minister urged  the  newly-installed  chief  to embrace  all the people  and uphold  cultural  values  in line with  its  beliefs.
He said the new chief was recognised by President Michael Sata after completing the selection process in February this year.
He assured that the Government was committed to partnering with chiefs, who were key partners in developing the country.
Senior Chief  Mboroma appealed  to the newly-installed chief to embrace  all tribes and  look  to God  for  guidance, as he ruled  his people.
He  called  on Chief Chikupili to  be humble  and  respect  those  who had  put him there, saying that  his role was to unify  everyone.
He advised the chief to learn from him, having been on the throne for more than 40 years, to always  seek  counsel  from others  and be ready to listen.
Earlier, a representative for the chiefs that attended the event pledged support to the Government but complained about the poor road network, lack of clean drinking water  and shortage of teachers, and advised the Government to assist in addressing the challenges.
Sabata  dancing  group from Southern  Province stole  the limelight  during the installation with their dance and display of spears, much to the amusement  of those in attendance, among them,
chiefs  Kanyesha, Chitina, Mukonchi, Chembe, Kalinde and Mulungwe.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Minister Mwenya Musenge has said Government attaches great importance to traditional ceremonies in enhancing cultural values in the country.
Mr Musenge said the Government would continue demonstrating commitment together with collaborating partners to ensure that there was continuity in hosting traditional ceremonies.
He said during the Copperbelt Mutomboko Association fundraising dance in Kitwe on Saturday evening that without traditional ceremonies, the country’s cultural heritage was dead.
He said for 50 years, Mutomboko ceremony had been demonstrating a true celebration of the preservation of the cultural heritage in the country.
Copperbelt Mutomboko Association chairperson Albert Muyembe said the Mutomboko ceremony would be held on July 26 this year.