The Mzimba Heritage Association (MZIHA) – is a grouping of the Zongendawa Ngoni people in Mzimba – has widened its fundraising initiatives in its efforts to meet the budget for the 2025 Umthetho Cultural Cultural Festival.
Chairperson for the Lilongwe Chapter of the association, Precious Chisi, told Nyasa Times in an interview on Wednesday that, apart from inviting individuals and organizations to sponsor the event, they have also lined up a number of events to raise money.
Chisi highlighted M’mbelwa Night Fundraising Event, scheduled for 4th July 2025 at the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe, as one such event, which the association has organized to achieve its mission.
“Organized in honor of His Royal Majesty, Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelws V, this event will bring together distinguished guests, business leaders, and cultural custodians to support the Umthetho Cultural Festival, which will be held a month later at Mount Hora in Mzimba. The Umthetho Festival is one of Malawi’s prominent celebrations of cultural heritage and unity,” he said.
During the M’mbelwa Night Event, Chisi added, guests will enjoy a curated evening of traditional dances, cultural entertainment, food, music, and a raffle draw, alongside royalty and dignitaries.
He assured that by sponsoring the event, guests will gain exposure among influential leaders, align Ngoni’s brand with cultural pride, and contribute meaningfully to community development and identity.
“We have structured the sponsorship categories as follows: Platinum Table of 10 is at MK3,000,000, Gold Table of 10 is at MK2,000,000, Table of 10 is at MK1,000,000, individual ticket is going at MK300.000, individual ticket MK200,000, individual ticket MK100, 000, Bronze Table of 10 is at MK500,000, individual ticket MK50.000. Payments and donations can be made lo: Mzimba Heritage Association, NBS Bank, Maimba branch, Account #24307875,” said Chisi.
According to Chisi, each sponsorship level offers fiered brand visibility, mentions in media and event materials, and priority sealing al the event.
Meanwhile, the association has urged interested organizations and individuals to contact Dereen Ndhlovu on +266 (0) 384 121 480 doreenndhlovu265@gmail.com to confirm their participation or request further information
MZIHA was established to preserve and promote Ngoni culture in Mzimba, Malawi, and beyond. Annually, the association organizes the Umthetho Cultural Festival as one way of networking and engaging those in the diaspora.
Apart from preserving and promoting Ngoni culture, the association also works on various development projects, including rehabilitating public facilities and supporting Ngoni language lessons.