adminWalter Mswazie Business Correspondent
THE government is engaging rural communities to embrace cultural tourism as a way of preserving traditional customs and values while earning money from the enterprise. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Retired Brigadier General Walter Kanhanga told delegates during the great Limpopo Transfrontier Cultural Festival under Chief Sengwe that cultural villagers remained the only vehicle to preserve cultural values.
He said plans were under way to establish cultural villages across the country next year with a view of attracting tourists.
Brig Gen Kanhanga said Zimbabwe was a repository of unique cultures that can be used as an economic driver if properly marketed.
“We are celebrating our cultural diversity here in the Vastonga (Tshangana) community through circumcision ceremonies and that has distinguished us as a unique people.
“This phenomenon should be preserved at all costs and given its due respect by coming up with a cultural village where tourists would come and enjoy at a premium of course,” he said.
Brig Gen Kanhanga said cultural expositions have the potential to contribute immensely to the development of communities through tourism.
“This tribe has a unique culture which is a heritage on its own and attracts tourists thereby earning communities some income.
“Our countries, South Africa and Zimbabwe are endowed with rich and diverse cultures.
“It therefore makes economic sense to invest in cultural industries that make for vibrant cultural tourism that rejuvenates the overall regional tourism sector,” he said.
“This is done by emphasising on the human factor as Gaza Trust which coordinates this festival and Malipati Development Trust. Cultural exchanges will increase community co-ordination and exchange of ideas across sub-regions as we are doing today.”
The event at Chief Mpapa’s homestead was marked by the graduation of 961 males who underwent male circumcision.
In attendance were Gaza Trust coordinator Hebert Pikela, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) representatives, South African chiefs: Chief Njakanjaka, Chief Maluleke, Chief Mukari; Zimbabwe Commission for Unesco programme manager Daphne Mukaraonda, Chief Mpapa, among others.
The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Cultural Festival brings together cultural groups from three countries, South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The groups border the Limpopo River and share the Chitsonga (Tshangani) and Venda languages.
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