Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
President Mnangagwa has described culture as a vital pillar for national development, saying economic progress without cultural identity is incomplete and a people disconnected from their history and heritage are like trees without roots.
Addressing the Angel of Hope Foundation’s annual Shonga Mutupo Wako Fundraising Dinner in Harare on Friday night, the President said Zimbabwe’s traditions, languages, customs and values were invaluable treasures that must be jealously guarded, preserved and passed on to future generations.
“My Administration believes that development without cultural identity is incomplete, and a people without knowledge of their history and culture are like trees without roots.
“Our traditions, languages, customs and values are treasures that must be protected and passed on to future generations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said initiatives championed by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa — such as Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba, Traditional Cook-out Competitions and the National Dress Fabric — were restoring and celebrating the country’s rich heritage, promoting unity, peace and community cohesion.
“This fosters pride in our identity and who we are as a sovereign and independent people.
“Every citizen, particularly the youth, including those in the diaspora, is exhorted to carry forward the wisdom of our rich liberation and cultural heritage bequeathed to us by our forebears.
“The integrated environmental management programme, which is promoting sustainability, climate action, food and nutrition security among schoolchildren and communities, is also bearing fruit,” he said.
The event attracted a distinguished gathering of guests, including Cabinet ministers, captains of industry, senior Government officials and representatives from various sectors of society, reflecting widespread interest in and support for the cultural initiative.
The dinner provided a platform where cultural expression, traditional cuisine and charitable giving converged, allowing attendees to reconnect with their heritage while contributing to a humanitarian cause.
Under the theme “Shonga Mutupo Wako”, which loosely translates to showcasing one’s totem, guests made striking fashion statements through attire reflecting their different totems and ancestral identities.
The First Lady was among the notable personalities who brought the theme to life, arriving in an exquisite ensemble incorporating elements of her Moyo totem in a proud display of her ancestral roots and family lineage.
The cultural extravaganza was further enlivened by a catwalk presentation during which participants took turns displaying their creatively crafted outfits, each drawing inspiration from their respective totems.
Beyond the fashion and cultural displays, attendees were also treated to an educational demonstration of indigenous dispute-resolution mechanisms through simulated traditional court proceedings conducted by Chiefs Mutasa and Chikwaka.
The demonstrations offered insight into the operation of customary justice institutions, illustrating how traditional leadership structures provide communities with convenient and affordable ways of settling disagreements through established cultural practices.
Particular attention was given to the restorative nature of traditional justice, which prioritises engagement between conflicting parties, mutual understanding, reconciliation and the rebuilding of relationships rather than simply imposing punitive measures.
The proceedings also underscored the enduring relevance of traditional leadership in safeguarding community values, fostering peaceful coexistence and providing grassroots justice systems that remain accessible to ordinary people.
Meanwhile, the venue’s transformation reflected the event’s celebration of African identity, with carefully selected indigenous decorative elements and traditional embellishments creating an atmosphere steeped in cultural expression.
The overall setting complemented the evening’s central message, providing an opportunity for guests to appreciate, celebrate and showcase the richness and diversity of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
