28/09/2025
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CALLS FOR CULTURAL RESTORATION, UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT AT DANTHO TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage as a foundation for unity and development during the 2025 Dantho Traditional Ceremony of the Chikunda people in Luangwa District.
In a Speech delivered on his behalf by Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Mr. Peter Kapala, President Hichilema said the theme, “Cultural Restoration for National Unity, Peace and Economic Development in Zambia after 60 Years,” resonates with the administration’s vision to preserve culture while embracing modernisation.
“The Dantho ceremony symbolises the time when the Chikunda people pray to Almighty God, through the ancestors, for good rains and abundant harvests,” said Mr. Kapala.
Mr. Kapala noted that traditional ceremonies are not mere rituals but living testimonies of identity, wisdom, and unity, which the government will continue supporting through collaboration with traditional leaders.
He explained that the realignment of Chiefs’ Affairs to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has ensured that communities directly benefit from national resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He highlighted that the increase in CDF from K1.6 million in 2021 to K36.1 million has transformed lives in Luangwa through projects such as community halls, bridges, markets , Classroom blocks , health facilities, and boreholes.
“Our government has made significant efforts to improve crop production through irrigation schemes, promotion of drought-resistant crops, and mechanisation support,” he Said.
The Minister assured farmers in Luangwa that they will continue to benefit from the Farmer Input Support Programme and the Sustainable Agricultural Financing Facility, which empower households with inputs, irrigation systems, and farm power equipment.
He further revealed that innovative social protection programmes such as Cash for Work and Social Cash Transfer are cushioning vulnerable households while empowering youths and women cooperatives with grants, bursaries, and loans.
Mr. Kapala also announced that government has procured two brand new Land Cruisers for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to strengthen the fight against human-wildlife conflict in Luangwa.
“Government will continue to implement measures that promote the co-existence between humans and wildlife,” he said.
The Minister concluded by praising the Chikunda Royal Establishment and the Dantho Ceremony Organising Committee for preserving Zambia’s cultural identity and promoting national peace and unity.
