MTN is sponsoring the event as part of its corporate social investment programme to preserve the country’s cultural heritage. The company has time and again sponsored various traditional ceremonies in the country with this year’s recent k200,000 sponsorship of the Nc’wala traditional ceremony MTN Zambia has donated K20,000 towards the hosting of this year’s Malaila Traditional Ceremony of the Kunda people in Malambo district in Luangwa.
In a statement issued yesterday, MTN Zambia chief sales and distribution officer Amos Jere said the company is a sponsor of the ceremony as part of its corporate social investment programme to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
Mr. Jere said MTN has over the past years partnered with various cultural establishments by supporting the hosting of their respective traditional ceremonies.
He added that the MTN group traces its roots in Africa and that as an indigenous African brand, they appreciate the importance of conserving the cultural heritage.
“There is need to showcase all elements that have made Zambia what it is today. In our view we feel Zambia’s cultural heritage is a very important element in giving the country its identity. The country is blessed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage which must be protected and preserved,” Mr. Jere said.
He further urged the Malaila organising committee to take advantage of this event and properly package this year’s ceremony to ensure a high turnout of tourist so as to position Zambia as an attractive investment as well as tourist destination.
“Traditional ceremonies make up a big component of Zambia’s tourism package and therefore they must be well managed and make the desired impact on the global tourism landscape,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaila Traditional Ceremony Organizing Committee national trustee Brown Mukunsha said the committee has been facing a lot of challenges but with this donation, there would be a lot of progress.
Mr. Mukunsha also said the committee has never received such a donation and therefore thanked MTN Zambia for the generosity.
MTN Zambia has time and again sponsored various traditional ceremonies in the country with this year’s recent k200,000 sponsorship of the Nc’wala traditional ceremony.