Preparations for the 2025 edition of the Umthetho Cultural Festival are gaining momentum, with organisers unveiling a series of fundraising initiatives to elevate the celebration of Ngoni heritage. Scheduled for August 9 at Hora Mountain in Mzimba District, the festival’s budget is set at K320 million. In an interview on Monday, Mzimba Heritage Association (Mziha) general secretary Kingsley Jere revealed that this year’s celebration will move beyond the traditional gathering at Hora Mountain to embrace a spirit of philanthropy. “We are planning to renovate key community institutions such as Mzimba and Euthini secondary schools which need urgent attention,” he said. The festival will also introduce a range of kid-friendly activities to make it a true family affair. “Last year, we got feedback that the festival lacked activities for children, which discouraged families from attending,” Jere explained. “This year, we are addressing that by incorporating activities designed for kids.” With less than four months to go, the secretary general did not disclose the amount raised so far, but confirmed that several strategic fundraising events have been lined up. “A golf tournament in Lilongwe will tee-off the efforts and we will also host ‘M’mbelwa Nights’ in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu featuring dinners and raffle draws,” he said. To jumpstart the fundraising, all 10 traditional authorities in Mzimba have pledged K3 million each. Organisers are also banking on corporate sponsors and the public to step in and achieve a sense of event national ownership. Speaking earlier at the Chiefs Council Meeting in Mzimba, Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V urged all stakeholders to safeguard and promote cultural values, stressing that unity is vital to the festival’s success. “The strength of our heritage lies in our unity. Umthetho is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of our identity and pride as a people. It is only through working together that we can continue to grow and preserve our traditions for future generations,” he said. Meanwhile, plans to transform Hora Mountain into a global tourist attraction, first floated several years ago, remain in progress with developments, including the construction of chiefs’ houses and installation of electricity and piped water. Umthetho is a Jere Ngoni flagship of identity, showcasing traditional dance, customs and community pride.