adminFairness Moyana Sunday Leisure Correspondent
THE celebration of cultural diversity can only be achieved through recognition of all languages to avoid seeing their extinction through academic association as well as general belittling caused by adoption of Western cultures.Mindful of this, Chief Shana challenged parents to pass on to their children true and uncorrupted cultural norms and traditions so as to preserve the tribal and lingual identity for the continued celebration of cultural diversity in the country.
Speaking during the launch of Matabeleland North provincial culture week in Victoria Falls last week, Chief Shana who was guest of honour said technology had corroded the cultural fibre in African people that had resulted in the abandoning of culture and traditions.
“This is an important day to celebrate the importance of our culture and tradition. It reminds us of the duty we have as parents and society in safeguarding our identity through observation of our culture and the need for us to teach the younger generation not to abandon their identity by adopting Western culture,” said Chief Shana.
He said technology and globalisation was responsible for the loss of cultural norms and identity with western ways infiltrating and corrupting the local culture in ways such as dressing, food and languages, which had resulted in the moral fibre being heavily corroded.
“What kind of leaders will our children be without knowing their history or background? The way our children dress and behave these days is a cause for concern and if we do not intervene we are likely to see our languages and culture extinct in a few years’ time. I’m advising those that are growing up that a negative attitude towards your culture angers the ancestors and will have a negative impact on your life,” he said.
Chief Shana who read his speech in Nambya, a language predominant in Hwange District castigated the adoption of western cultures arguing that the practice had led to a short lifespan.
“Today our children are sick from strange diseases we don’t understand while shunning traditional medicines labeling it old fashioned and ancient. The same medicine is still used to treat ailments by our grandmothers who are well advanced in age because they embraced their culture,” he said.
The traditional leader took a swipe at people who regard art as only a form of entertainment, arguing that art created employment while promoting culture.
Speaking at the same event the provincial National Arts Council (NAC) director, Mrs Clara Nkomo said this year’s celebrations, which were running under the theme “Promoting cultural diversity and inclusion” provided a platform to nurture the younger generation on the importance of knowing and practising their culture.
“As NAC one of our core values is preservation of culture through arts. We have competitions to ensure that cultures are celebrated while exposing the talent in individuals through these fora,” said Nkomo.
The country boasts a diverse culture and this year’s celebration theme was in line with the inclusion and recognition as official of all languages of the country in the constitution.
Zimbabwe dedicates a week towards the celebration of that diversity through traditional foods, sculptures, artifacts, languages, folklore and dances.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu