DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called on Tanzanians to preserve their culture, customs and traditions as a vital foundation for future generations, emphasising that cultural heritage is a core element of national identity.
He made these remarks on Sunday during the opening of the Buhaya Festival 2024, held at Mlimani City Hall in Dar es Salaam.
“In today’s era, where technology and globalisation are advancing rapidly, it is easy to lose our customs and traditions,” said Majaliwa. “By participating in this festival, we learn and encourage our communities about the importance of our cultural heritage.”
The Prime Minister encouraged parents, communities and religious institutions to foster a sense of moral responsibility grounded in traditional values. He highlighted that such efforts are essential in preventing the erosion of cultural values, especially among the youth.
“All Tanzanians should continue to respect and value our cultural practices as a way to strengthen unity, solidarity and economic development,” he stressed.
To further preserve Tanzania’s cultural legacy, Majaliwa directed each region to collaborate with NGOs and the private sector to organise district-level cultural festivals.
He believes annual cultural ceremonies in every region will allow citizens to connect with their heritage and instill a strong sense of patriotism. Additionally, he suggested that educational institutions should incorporate national values into their curricula to nurture responsible citizens.
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In his directives, the Prime Minister also tasked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to work with the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG) in identifying and promoting traditional historical sites as a boost to both local and international tourism.
Speaking about the development initiatives in the Kagera Region, Prime Minister Majaliwa stated that President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated substantial funds to support growth in sectors such as energy, water, agriculture, fisheries, transportation and road construction.
Kagera Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwassa noted that the Buhaya Festival serves as a platform to celebrate and protect the culture, customs and traditions of the Kagera community, while promoting the region’s attractions and economic opportunities.
“Buhaya continues to be remembered for the values of cooperation and courage instilled by our elders,” Mwassa said. “This festival has significantly promoted the region and our customs and traditions have been honoured.”
Festival Chairperson Wilson Kazaura underscored that the Buhaya Festival is more than an entertainment event. It fosters unity, learning and the preservation of cultural heritage within the Haya community, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
“We will continue to support the government in honouring our culture so that we can pass it on to future generations. We will continue to celebrate the arts, customs and traditions that define our identity,” Kazaura stated.
The Buhaya Festival 2024 celebrates the strength of community values while serving as a reminder of the need to uphold Tanzania’s cultural identity in a globalised world.