Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
TRADITIONAL leaders from across the country have commended President Mnangagwa for championing the devolution agenda through the rotation of national commemorations across provinces, saying the approach reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive development and cultural unity.
Speaking during the official launch of the 2026 Culture Month celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday, National Chiefs’ Council president Chief Mtshane Khumalo said the devolved approach to national events demonstrates that every community and province has a meaningful contribution to make towards nation-building.
The colourful celebrations, held under the theme “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030,” were officiated by President Mnangagwa and attended by Government officials, traditional leaders, artistes and thousands of citizens from across the country.
A total of 36 chiefs from different provinces attended the event in a strong show of support for the national cultural commemorations and Government’s devolution programme.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Mtshane said Bulawayo’s hosting of the Culture Month celebrations after previously hosting the devolved Independence Day celebrations reflected the Second Republic’s commitment to ensuring that no province is left behind.
“Your Excellency, we commend the Government of Zimbabwe for adopting a devolved, all-of-nation approach to these commemorations,” he said.
“This rotation of national celebrations across the provinces, which we are witnessing today, is aligned with the wisdom of our traditions — that every community has something to offer and every region has stories worth telling on the national stage.”
Chief Mtshane said traditional leaders fully support the devolution agenda as it promotes national inclusivity and cultural recognition across all communities.
“We encourage the continuation and deepening of this devolution so that, in the years to come, your mantra of leaving no one and no place behind can be felt by every community,” he added.
“As traditional leaders, who are natural partners in this initiative being driven by the Government, we pledge our full cooperation and active participation in every district and every province.”
Chief Mtshane described President Mnangagwa’s presence at the commemorations as a powerful demonstration of Government’s recognition of culture and traditional leadership as critical pillars of national development.
“With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of happiness, Your Excellency, we are honoured by your presence here today,” he said.
“That the President of our Republic takes time, on this World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, to stand with your people here in the heart of Bulawayo, is a powerful statement.
“It says that culture matters to the Government. It says that keepers of tradition are partners and not bystanders in nation-building.” Chief Mtshane said Barbourfields Stadium had now become a symbolic national cultural venue after successfully hosting major devolved national events.
“It has thus become a true celebration stadium when we consider that it is also the home of football in the southern region,” said Chief Mtshane.
“As traditional leaders, we understand what this theme affirms — that diversity is what builds a nation and must therefore be celebrated.”
He noted that Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity remained one of the country’s greatest strengths with recognition of 16 official languages, including sign language, in the Constitution.
“The good thing is that we are gathered here to celebrate this rich tapestry of cultural wealth in Zimbabwe,” said Chief Mtshane.
“Continually seek to know and understand your cultural heritage because these things will not make you less modern; they will make you complete.”
He said leaders remained committed to preserving indigenous knowledge systems and supporting cultural practitioners in their communities.
“We commit to actively participating in the documentation and preservation of our communities’ intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that oral histories, ceremonies, medicinal knowledge and customary practices are recorded for posterity,” he said.
Chief Mtshane vowed that traditional leaders would continue working closely with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to ensure active participation in Culture Month commemorations across the country.
“This city has carried the cultural identity of Zimbabwe through every season of this nation’s history,” said Chief Mtshane.
“The traditional leadership of Bulawayo and Matabeleland has been a pillar of the identity we celebrate today.”
Culture Month is commemorated annually in May to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and recognise the role of culture in national development, with this year’s festivities expected to once again showcase the nation’s enduring spirit of unity in diversity.
