Cultural events a vehicle for development

Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub

CURRENTLY, international cultural policy documents link culture to economic development, social cohesion and stability, environmental sustainability and resilient communities.

Cultural heritage, in particular, is perceived as an important vehicle for development, as cultural tourism contributes to economic growth.

As a sector of activity encompassing tangible and intangible heritage, creative industries and various forms of artistic expression, culture powerfully contributes to economic development, social stability and environmental protection.

As Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, it’s crucial to recognise the key role that culture plays in achieving this vision.

Indeed, culture is a driving force in the pursuit of Vision 2030, which aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.

This aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasises culture’s power to transform entire societies, strengthen local communities, foster strong family values, and forge a sense of identity and belonging for people of all ages.

Ultimately, culture plays an essential role in promoting sustainable social and economic development for future generations.

The NDS1 clearly articulates this when it says, “As a collective phenomenon, national identity can arise as a direct result of the presence of elements from the “common points” in people’s daily lives.

“These include national symbols, music, language, the nation’s history, national consciousness, and cultural artefacts.

“The expression of one’s national identity seen in a positive light is patriotism, which is characterised by national pride and positive emotion of love for one’s country. Cultural programmes contribute towards improved social cohesion, sense of national identity and pride.”

The objective, according to the economic blueprint, is to increase the level of local consumption of cultural products and services from 15 percent in 2020 to 40 percent by 2025.

Culture extends across all the dimensions of social capital such as mutual confidence, trust and responsible civic behaviour.

Unesco also emphasises that culture is a key element in the fight against poverty.

Preserving cultural values is very important for development and Zimbabwe should develop and value trust in its institutions so as to validate the social contract between Government and the governed.

The recently held traditional and cultural event, Imiklomela kaDakamela – also known as the Dakamela Achievers Awards – stands as one such cultural movement that helps in preserving cultural values, a crucial aspect for development and the achievement of Vision 2030.

Launched in 2022 to honour individuals from Matabeleland who have significantly contributed to their communities and serve as pillars of inspiration, the awards were held on April 4 and 5 at koDakamela Hall in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province.

Now in its third edition and attracting over 5 000 attendees, the Chief Dakamela Achievers’ Awards have firmly established themselves as a significant traditional and cultural movement.

The importance of this event was further underscored by the attendance of several high-profile figures, including the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works responsible for Local Authorities and Traditional Leaders, Albert Mavunga and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nicholas Moyo.

Last year, The Herald’s inaugural Community Heroes Awards also honoured Chief Dakamela, who was also recognised among the country’s unsung heroes and heroines for his tireless work transforming his community.

The awards celebrated outstanding individuals from each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, shining a spotlight on those whose altruistic contributions often go unnoticed.

The Dakamela Achievers Awards significantly resonate with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the nation into an upper-middle-income economy.

By celebrating and honouring individuals who have made substantial contributions to their communities, the awards foster a sense of pride, belonging, and collective identity.

This directly aligns with Vision 2030’s emphasis on building a cohesive and prosperous society, where citizens are empowered and motivated to contribute to national development.

The recognition of cultural achievements and community service reinforces positive values and inspires others to actively participate in building a better future, a key driver for realizing the goals of Vision 2030.

Furthermore, the awards align with NDS1, which underscores the transformative power of culture in shaping societies.

NDS1 recognises that culture plays a vital role in strengthening local communities, promoting strong family values, and forging a sense of identity for people of all ages.

The awards ceremony directly contributes to these objectives by showcasing and celebrating the cultural heritage and achievements of the Matabeleland region.

By doing so, the awards not only preserve and promote cultural values but also empower communities and foster a sense of unity, which are essential for achieving the broader developmental goals outlined in NDS1.

In his address at the event, Deputy Minister Mavunga, who was the guest of honour, commended the initiative for its role in promoting and preserving cultural heritage.

“It’s a great honour to be part of this gathering, where our culture and traditions are preserved and celebrated.

“Being here is truly humbling. I’ve never experienced such unity, with people from different regions and countries coming together. Isizwe sakhiwa ngabanikazi baso (a nation is built by its people),” he said.

Chief Dakamela also expressed satisfaction with the growth and direction of the awards.

“When we created these awards in 2022, our goal was to establish an event that would constantly remind us of who we are while celebrating our culture and traditions. As I reflect on the third edition we just hosted, I am pleased with the growing number of attendees.

“We consistently have guests from outside Zimbabwe and key government speakers, which underscores the importance of this event. Beyond the awards, it has evolved into a significant rural tourism driver, attracting people from various regions who come here to enjoy an exceptional blend of culinary experiences, dance, music and culture,” said Chief Dakamela.

His emphasis on the awards’ role in reminding people of their cultural identity directly resonates with Zimbabwe’s recognition of culture as a vehicle for development in its pursuit of Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 acknowledges that a strong sense of national identity and cultural pride is crucial for fostering social cohesion, which is a key pillar for economic progress.

By highlighting the importance of celebrating traditions, the awards contribute to this goal, creating an environment where citizens are united by a shared heritage and motivated to work towards the country’s development objectives.

Furthermore, Chief Dakamela’s statement about the event evolving into a significant rural tourism driver aligns with the economic dimension of Vision 2030.

The Zimbabwean government increasingly views cultural tourism as a key strategy for economic growth, particularly in rural areas.

The Dakamela Achievers Awards exemplify this by attracting visitors from various regions and showcasing the unique cultural offerings of the area.

This not only boosts local economies but also promotes the preservation and development of cultural assets, demonstrating how culture can be effectively leveraged to achieve the broader economic goals of Vision 2030.

It is important to note that as Zimbabwe advances towards its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, it is clear that culture plays a key role in achieving this vision.

The Dakamela Achievers Awards serve as a shining example of how cultural events can foster social cohesion, promote economic growth through tourism, and celebrate the unique identity of a community.

To fully leverage the power of culture as a vehicle for development, Zimbabwe needs more such initiatives across the nation.

By recognising and supporting similar cultural movements, the country can create a strong foundation for sustainable progress, ensuring that the journey towards Vision 2030 is rooted in the rich heritage and diverse identities of its people.