Recent remarks by Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V, suggesting that certain financial institutions that refuse to support the Umtheto Cultural Festival should also stop doing business in Mzimba, have sparked heated debate and rightly so.
Traditional leaders occupy a respected place in Malawi’s social fabric. They are custodians of culture, symbols of unity, and often strong voices for development. Their influence can mobilize communities, preserve heritage, and inspire pride.
However, their powers are moral and cultural not regulatory or legal. Under Malawi’s laws, decisions about which companies can or cannot operate in a district rest with government institutions, not traditional authorities.
The Chief’s frustration is understandable. Umtheto is not just a celebration it’s a powerful platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion, and economic activity.
It draws visitors from across the country and beyond, benefiting local businesses and showcasing Ngoni heritage. When companies, especially financial institutions, refuse to lend support, it can feel like a slight against the community.
But here’s the bigger picture: financial institutions are vital partners in national development. They fuel business growth by providing loans, investment capital, and infrastructure funding.
They enable farmers to access modern equipment, small businesses to expand, and individuals to improve their livelihoods. Their presence in a district is not a favour it is an engine for economic progress.
Publicly naming and shaming such institutions, or suggesting they leave, risks creating an image of hostility towards investors. This could deter not only the companies in question but also future investors who might fear political or cultural backlash if they decline sponsorship requests.
Development thrives in an environment of stability, trust, and mutual respect not in one where businesses feel coerced.
A more constructive approach would be for traditional leaders to appeal to corporate social responsibility (CSR), presenting the festival as an opportunity for businesses to strengthen their brand, connect with communities, and demonstrate commitment to Malawi’s heritage. Many companies are willing to support cultural and social events if they see clear value and mutual benefit.
Leadership, at its best, is about persuasion, not pressure. Chiefs have the influence to inspire partnerships, rally community spirit, and present cultural events as win-win opportunities for all involved.
The goal should be to make Mzimba and Malawi as a whole an attractive place for businesses to invest, not a place where they fear repercussions for selective sponsorship decisions.
In the end, the question is not whether a chief can drive companies away it’s whether a chief can inspire them to stay, invest, and grow alongside the community.
