STAKEHOLDERS in Binga are pushing to institutionalise a BaTonga Day, rallying traditional leaders, non-governmental organisations and community activists around the urgent need to preserve their fading heritage.
The campaign follows the historic displacement of thousands of BaTonga families by the Kariba Dam (1956-1960), which submerged their ancestral lands and fractured cultural continuity.
“The story of the BaTonga people is one of profound loss, quiet strength and enduring dignity,” Batonga film producer and director Kalulu Mumpande said.
“We must advocate for the establishment and institutionalisation of a BaTonga Day, an annual moment for collective remembrance, reflection and cultural revival.
“This day is not just a memorial, it is a platform to reclaim our identity, showcase our rich oral traditions and educate younger generations about the sacrifices of our ancestors.”
He said they intended to bring together scholars, artists and policymakers to translate memory into policy and revive the Literature Bureau.
“In short, BaTonga Day will restore visibility to a history eclipsed by national narratives and spark tourism and economic projects in Binga and across the Zambezi region.”
He added that the proposed day aligned with the National Language Policy and the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture ministry’s recent validation of linguistic preservation.
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Binga Headman John Mweembe hailed the initiative.
“The day will not only put the BaTonga people on the map, but also revive their culture and heritage,” he said.
Mizinga Mizinga, a local researcher, said: “As a researcher with interests in ethnobotany, we still need to reclaim our cultural food pride and the wisdom of those that came before us.”
