Chief Tjankuluba warns of cultural erosion amid technological advancement

CHIEF Tjankuluba of Mangwe District in Matabeleland South has warned that rapid technological advancement is contributing to the erosion of cultural values, calling for renewed commitment to Ubuntu/Hunhu as a safeguard for Zimbabwe’s heritage.

He made the remarks during his keynote address at the belated Matabeleland South Provincial Culture Month commemorations held on June 5 at Sangulube Secondary School.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including ICT Deputy Minister and Bulilima Constituency MP Dingumuzi Phuti, as well as Chiefs Hikwa, Bango, Hobodo, Bidi, Fuyana, Madlambuzi, Masendu, Mphini and Malaba.

The Culture Month commemorations form part of the national programme that officially kicked off on May 21 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, where thousands gathered to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity. President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated at the national launch, which ran under the theme “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030.”
Chief Tjankuluba said the increasing advancement of technology is posing a serious threat to the preservation of culture and traditional values.

“The safeguarding of our culture calls for us to invoke the values of Ubuntu/Hunhu in addressing the various social vices that have begun to emerge, escalate and negatively affect our youth and society at large.
“Drug abuse and criminal activities threaten not only the future survival of our country, but also our moral values and the development of future leaders,” said Chief Tjankuluba.

He said exhibitions held during the commemorations demonstrated that Matabeleland South remains a culturally rich province, strongly rooted in identity and tradition.

“The tour of exhibitions confirm that Matabeleland South is truly a rainbow province richly endowed with its people and our cultural practices which define us as Zimbabweans.”

Chief Tjankuluba also paid tribute to traditional leaders for their continued efforts in safeguarding cultural practices despite modern-day pressures.
“I also wish to express my gratitude to the chiefs for their continued leadership in upholding and preserving our cultural practices within communities. This is despite the fact that we live in an ever-changing world that requires us to regularly reflect on and examine our Zimbabwean roots and our purpose as a people, while remaining loyal to the cultural values and traditions that have shaped our identity,” he said.

“Despite the pressures facing us as a people and society, our chiefs have remained steadfast in preserving our culture, which is constantly being challenged by intercultural influences and interactions with the wider global community.
“As Zimbabweans, we must ensure that our national identity remains distinct from other regional and international cultures. Our identity should be reflected through our self-esteem, pride and love for our rainbow province and Zimbabwe as a whole,” said Chief Tjankuluba.