Nyasa Manufacturing Company (NMC) has provided K20 million to the upcoming Umthetho Ngoni Cultural Festival, making a timely boost to one of Malawi’s most cherished cultural events.

The Jere Ngoni annual festival, held at Hora Mountain in Mzimba District, celebrates the heritage of the Ngoni people under the leadership of Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa V.

This year’s theme, “Cultural Diversity: The Foundation for Peaceful Coexistence and Development,” highlights the role of tradition in fostering unity and progress.

Chairperson of the Mzimba Heritage Association, Kingsley Mhalale Jere, welcomed the donation, saying it arrived at a critical moment in the festival’s planning.

“The donation has come at the right time,” Jere said. “As we prepare for the cultural festival, a lot of things are needed—and that requires money. This support will help us finalize preparations and hold a successful event.”

Jere added that preparations are well underway, including training sessions for chiefs and village heads to clarify their roles during the festival.

“So far, so good. We’re on the ground, and all is set for this year’s event,” he said.

Preserving Culture, Promoting Development

Jere emphasized that the festival is more than a celebration — it’s a platform for development and cultural preservation.

“The foundation of Umthetho is preserving culture and promoting development for the Mzimba and Ngoni people. It unites us, helps us interact, and gives us a chance to maintain the peace we already have.”

This year, the Mzimba Heritage Association is using the festival to raise funds for the rehabilitation of Mzimba Secondary School, Euthini Secondary School, and Mzimba District Hospital.

The total budget for the event stands at K304 million, with fundraising efforts and guest invitations currently underway.

NMC Head of Sales and Marketing, Steve Munthali, said the company’s support reflects its deep connection to Malawi’s cultural roots and its commitment to giving back to the community.

“This sponsorship reflects our respect for cultural legacy and support for preserving traditions for future generations,” Munthali said. “We are deeply connected to this land [Malawi] and its people, who are mostly tobacco growers. Supporting Umthetho is our way of honoring them.”

A Festival of Unity and Expression

Scheduled for August 9th, the Umthetho Cultural Festival will feature traditional dances including mthimba, mbuweni, msindo, liguba, and ingoma, as well as displays of Ngoni attire, music, and food.

The event also serves as a business platform, attracting investors and promoting economic opportunities in the region, observed Jere.

NMC, through its subsidiary Nyasa Tobacco, is a key player in Malawi’s tobacco industry.

The company markets cigarette brands such as Nyasa 2010 (menthol and Virginia blend), Nyasa Super King Full Flavour, and Nyasa Fodya Menthol.

It also co-sponsors local football giants FCB Nyasa Big Bullets alongside First Capital Bank.