Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
DUST swirled in the air as cheers and whistles filled the air, as people in Matabeleland South celebrated Culture Day at Chief Fuyana’s homestead on Friday.
It was a lively scene with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate their heritage.
Cultures from across Matabeleland South and beyond converged, each group showcasing its unique heritage through distinctive dress codes and captivating dances. Young girls, clad in pristine white, symbolising their innocence, danced with a grace that spoke volumes about the importance of purity.
The Amabutho Esizwe, famed warriors of Ndebele culture, performed a stirring display of skill, their shields and spears flashing in the sun. Women, their heads held high, proudly displayed the rich colours and intricate patterns of their traditional attire.
Government officials, traditional leaders and hundreds of enthusiastic citizens all joined in the festivities.
Culture Day, an annual celebration held throughout Zimbabwe in May, fosters a deep appreciation for the country’s heritage.
Chief Fuyana, the gracious host of the event, beamed with pride as he witnessed the embrace of cultural traditions.
Resplendent in his traditional wear, Chief Fuyana addressed the crowd, stressing the importance of preserving their cultural heritage. He spoke of the need to protect their customs, languages, and practices from being eroded by modernisation.
He urged all traditional leaders to take ownership of promoting cultural events, fostering a spirit of self-reliance in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s rich heritage.
“I am ashamed to say as a people, we say we are preserving our culture. There are several shameful things that we are seeing taking place within our communities. For example, some people are marrying off young girls who are still babies at their homes and deserve a chance to fully grow and mature. Today I am warning these people and reminding them that traditional leaders and the Government will never condone such marriages,” he said.
Chief Fuyana praised women who championed purity among young girls. He said that it wasn’t just about cultural preservation, but also about protecting their health and well-being.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, couldn’t attend, but sent her representative, Mr Edward Mandeya, who expressed the minister’s delight at the province’s successful hosting of the cultural day.
Smiles on everyone’s faces, he said, were a clear sign of pride in their heritage and ancestry.
“We are happy to be here this year. This is indeed a rainbow province because as we all see, there are various cultures here and they are all proud of where they come from. As Africans, we should be proud of our culture from the colourful clothes we have, to the diverse languages and traditional dances. I am very happy with the turnout because it is proof that people are proud to be here,” he said.
A villager, Sibusiso Khumalo, said he wished cultural celebrations could be held every day.
Clad in amabutho attire, he said, it was a privilege he hoped to pass down to his children and future generations.
“Cultural days are very important because they are a reflection of who we are. Seeing everyone coming together to celebrate is proof enough that, indeed, culture is the glue needed to keep our communities intact and united,” he said. — @flora_sibanda.
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