adminLiberty Dube Weekender Correspondent
IN line with Africa Day celebrations on May 25, preparations for this year’s Culture Week Launch have reached an advanced stage, organisers have said. National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial manager, Jonah Muchayi, said they were putting final touches and were almost ready to host the annual event which will be held in Makoni.
He said Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Mandi Chimene, would be the guest of honour.
“We are happy with where we stand now. Preparations are at an advanced stage and we are happy with the progress so far. We will hold our last meeting on May 12. The event is aimed at promoting and preserving our culture as well as conscientising people about our national heritage. The event will also have a lot of arts activities since art and culture are central to the development of a nation,” Muchayi said.
He said there would be a blend of mbira, traditional dance, drama and traditional music performances by different groups from across the province.
“We are, however, extending our begging bowl to stakeholders and individuals for assistance to make the event a success,” Muchayi added.
Traditional groups such as Holland Muchongoyo Group from Chipinge as well as Musapingura will provide entertainment at the event.
Last year’s launch was held in Chirinda Forest in Chipinge District.
The highly successful event saw stakeholders emphasising on the strategies and ways to preserve the country’s culture and heritage.
Various muchongoyo and mbende dance groups showcased their traditional antics in a well-attended launch that was also attended by the then Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Dr Winnie Mlambo.
Chipinge district administrator, Mr Edgar Seenza said there was need to preserve the rich Zimbabwean culture and urged traditional leaders to exercise their authority and preserve Zimbabwe’s culture.
Dr Mlambo said it was paramount for locals to be wary of ICT gadgets which were threatening the preservation of local culture.
Before the launch, the dignitaries led by Chief Mapungwana toured Chirinda forests, which is the largest in the country and second largest in Southern Africa.
Online Reporter