Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday Life Reporter
CHIEF Dakamela of Nkayi and Imiklomela kaDakamela Cultural Festival director Ntando Ndlovu kaSibasa are in Beijing, China, where they are taking part in a two-week cultural heritage conservation and inheritance seminar.
The conference that began on 8 September, ending on 22 September was organised by the China Academy of Cultural Heritage and is aimed at strengthening the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage among 30 countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Zimbabwean delegation’s participation comes at a time when the country continues to strengthen its cultural and economic ties with China, with both nations increasingly placing people-to-people exchanges, heritage, tourism and cultural cooperation at the centre of their bilateral relations.
In 2024, Zimbabwe and China agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, with the two countries identifying culture and people-to-people cooperation as one of the pillars of their relationship.
The two nations also agreed to co-operate in the preservation of ancient cultural heritage, folklore and traditional knowledge, while promoting exchanges in areas including art, education, sports, media and tourism.
The relationship was further elevated in September 2025 when Zimbabwe and China established an all-weather community with a shared future, building on decades of political, economic and cultural co-operation.
Chief Dakamela said the engagement presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to learn from China’s experience while showcasing the country’s own rich cultural heritage.
“For us, this engagement is about learning practical approaches to protecting and promoting heritage. It will deepen our understanding of conservation while also exploring how to develop Industrial Heritage – turning heritage assets into sustainable industries, as demonstrated by China’s Porcelain and Ceramics industry, which has grown into a multi-million-dollar industry,” said Chief Dakamela.
He said lessons from China could help Zimbabwe develop heritage-based industries around traditional products, particularly those associated with Matabeleland.
“We believe there are parallels to be drawn that will lead to the creation of Heritage industries along iMvunulo, iLala Products and Clay Products,” he said.
The programme includes classroom-based lessons and visits to some of China’s major heritage sites, including the Great Wall of China, the Palace Museum and other historical sites. Chief
Dakamela said this exposure will give them an opportunity to share the country’s culture with an international audience.
“We believe such exchanges strengthen cultural diplomacy and create new pathways for preserving identity while building livelihoods and economic opportunities for our communities koDakamela, the wider Matabeleland region and Zimbabwe,” he said.
Chief Dakamela expressed gratitude to the China Academy of Cultural Heritage for the invitation and to Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding and the Chinese Embassy for facilitating the engagement.
“I would like to convey our heartfelt thanks to HE Ambassador Zhou Ding and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zimbabwe for facilitating this engagement and for their continued commitment to people-to-people cooperation. Cultural Heritage is our shared global treasure and wealth,” he said.
