Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO is ready to carry Zimbabwe’s national heritage into the future, with the city positioning itself as a cultural powerhouse capable of preserving, celebrating and promoting the country’s rich traditions, diversity and identity, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube has said.
In her opening remarks during the launch of the 2026 Culture Month commemorations at Barbourfields Stadium on Thursday, Minister Ncube said the metropolitan province stands ready to champion Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage while strengthening national unity and social cohesion through the preservation of indigenous traditions, languages and creative expression.
President Mnangagwa officially launched this year’s commemorations as part of national efforts to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and strengthen national identity through heritage preservation and cultural exchange.
The commemorations, held under an atmosphere of colour, music and celebration, brought together traditional leaders, Government officials, artists, cultural groups, exhibitors and communities from across the country in a vibrant showcase of indigenous traditions, dance, food, music and art.
Minister Ncube described Bulawayo as both an economic and cultural anchor of Matabeleland, saying the city’s multicultural identity uniquely positions it to safeguard and promote Zimbabwe’s heritage.
She said Bulawayo’s identity has been shaped by generations of people, languages and traditions converging from across the region, making it one of the country’s most important custodians of cultural memory.
“This city has always been a custodian of Zimbabwe’s tangible cultural heritage, from the sacred traditions of the Ndebele Kingdom to the vibrant contemporary arts scene that continues to produce writers, visual artists, musicians, filmmakers and performers who represent Zimbabwe with distinction on every international stage,” said Minister Ncube.
“Today, we bring all of that heritage, all of that creativity, all of that pride, to bear in celebration of who we are as a people.”
Minister Ncube said the decentralisation of major national programmes and commemorations had created opportunities for provinces such as Bulawayo to showcase their cultural uniqueness while unlocking economic and tourism benefits.
The annual commemorations transformed Barbourfields Stadium into a vibrant cultural hub, with delegates from various provinces proudly showcasing their customs, languages and artistic traditions.
Traditional dance troupes entertained crowds with energetic performances, while indigenous musicians, poets and visual artists exhibited Zimbabwe’s rich artistic diversity.
Visitors witness traditional dances, indigenous music performances, cultural exhibitions, food displays and artistic showcases reflecting Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage.
The commemorations come at a time when the Second Republic continues to promote culture as a key pillar of national identity, social cohesion and economic development through the decentralisation of major national events and programmes
