Heritage preservation linked to local literature – SIKUMBA

By Dorcas Chikonkomene

Tourism Minister RODNEY SIKUMBA says Zambians need to promote local literature to help preserve the country’s heritage.

Mr. SIKUMBA has also encouraged writers to translate their work in local languages for inclusivity and for them to have the rightful impact on the Zambian society.

He said this in Lusaka last night during the launch of 12 books by a local author, RACHAEL BANDA.

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Youth and Arts Permanent Secretary CHAMA FUMBA acknowledged that Zambian arts have lagged behind.

In a speech read on his behalf by Director Arts at the Ministry ESTHER NG’AMBI, Mr. FUMBA said art is an important sector that can contribute significantly to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product.

And Ms. BANDA said the launch is a significant mark on Zambia’s literature.

She however bemoaned the lack of support that local authors get considering the high cost of production that goes into producing books.