Promote tourism, envoy implores Zambians

IT IS the duty of every citizen to promote Zambia’s tourism and arts both locally and abroad, says ambassador Anthony Mukwita.

Mr Mukwita, who is Zambia’s ambassador to Germany, said arts such as music could be powerful media to convey a country’s history, identity and values.

The Zambian envoy was speaking on Friday night in Berlin at the performance of South Africa’s enduring all-male band, the Black Mambazo who were in the country as part of celebrations to mark hundred years of the life of Nelson Mandela, according to a statement issued by First Press Secretary at the Zambian embassy in Berlin, Kellys Kaunda.

Mr Mukwita said the Zambian government recognised the importance of arts and that is why it was decided that they be placed under the Ministry of Tourism, which now ranks as a key economic ministry.

“Each one of the songs sung here tonight conveys different aspects of South Africa’s life that includes freedom struggle and relationships,” said Mr Mukwita.

“Both the educated and the not-so-educated are able to relate to the different messages in the songs because they have simplified what might otherwise be difficult concepts to understand,” the Zambian envoy said.

He said President Edgar Lungu had challenged every one of his appointees to play their part in preserving and promoting arts so that they could contribute to the economic development of the country as well as serve as channels through which the nation’s story and values could be communicated.

“On our part as Berlin embassy, we are in touch with some artists in Zambia so that together we may unlock the development forces embedded in the arts,” he revealed.

Two members from the original Black Mambazo are still singing, a record 40 years, while others have been with the group for 20 years with the latest joining two years ago.

Four of the current members had their parents sing in the group before.