President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the modernisation of traditional institutions should not come at the expense of cultural values and traditions.
She said traditional values such as respect for elders, communalism, justice and strong family structures remain important foundations for national development.
The president stated that traditional governance should adapt to modern administrative systems while preserving the cultural identity and principles of communities.
She said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, at the annual Lusata Cultural Festival at Chinchimane.
"However, we must guard against a dangerous misconception that modernising an institution requires ensuring or raising its core cultural value; evolution must never mean assimilation into institutional anomie, and adaptation of institutional government to contemporary administrative needs must strengthen, not dilute, our moral and cultural foundation."
The president also reminded traditional communities of their roles in shaping the character and values of young people.
"Human capital is not confined to formal classrooms or vocational training centres alone; character formation, especially from a tender age, instilling discipline, accountability and respect for community welfare, is taught mostly around the communal fire, through traditional rites of passage and within community structures governed by traditional leadership."
The government pledged to continue supporting initiatives that create opportunities for the Zambezi Region.
Governor Dorothy Kabula also highlighted notable improvements in the region, including the rehabilitation of roads, rural electrification projects, and the construction of classrooms, health facilities, and access to potable water.
"These achievements are the result of the collaborative efforts of government structures, traditional authorities, civil society, and, most importantly, our communities at large."
Kabula also expressed satisfaction with the unity among traditional leaders, which she said laid a foundation for harmony and sustainable development.
The governor also appealed to the community to permit health teams conducting indoor residual spray campaigns to enter their homes.
The region has recorded 33,349 cases of malaria with 21 deaths since January.