Bank believes backing culture has potential to reduce unemployment

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Stanbic Bank joined the Ngoni-speaking people and the rest of Zambia in celebrating this year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony in the bank’s continued efforts to support the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage. The ceremony held under the theme ‘Ubuntu’ (which loosely translates as humanness or oneness) echoes the bank’s values, which includes the preservation of culture and the spirit of unity. Stanbic Bank Zambia chief executive officer Leina Gabaraane stressed how culture played an important role in bringing people together. He said: “We value culture because it helps a society stay true to its roots and has huge potential to reduce unemployment and contribute to economic growth through tourism.”

Nc’wala is an annual thanksgiving ceremony in which the Paramount Chief of the Ngoni, His Royal Highness Chief Mpezeni, blesses the first harvest. The ceremony is characterised by spirited performances from traditional dancers and Ngoni warriors which culminate in the slaughter of a bull – whose blood is offered to His Royal Highness Nkosi Yama Nkosi Mpezeni. Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni expressed delight with the way the ceremony was run, saying it had been the best ever organised. The traditional leader praised the organising committee and sponsors for aiding its success.
And Mr Gabaraane added that the bank would continue to play a critical role in preserving Zambia’s cultural diversity. Stanbic donated ZMW100,000 toward the successful hosting of the ceremony and has pledged further support in coming years.