Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Senior Reporter
CULTURE is not merely a symbol of identity but the foundation upon which Zimbabwe’s national development aspirations and Vision 2030 agenda must be built, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, has said.
Speaking during the launch of the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations at Barbourfields Stadium on Thursday, Minister Sanyatwe said Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity remained a critical pillar in driving socio-economic transformation, national unity and sustainable development.
Held under the theme, “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030,” the colourful commemorations brought together thousands of people from across the country, including traditional leaders, artistes, creatives and cultural practitioners.
Minister Sanyatwe said this year’s commemorations were particularly significant as they reflected the Government’s commitment to placing culture and heritage at the centre of development.
“This year’s theme, Your Excellency, ‘Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030,’ is not merely a slogan,” he said.
“It is indeed a national declaration. It says with clarity and conviction that Zimbabwe’s path to an upper-middle-income society by 2030 is firmly culture-driven among other pillars.
“It involves our languages, arts, creative industries, heritage and indeed our people.
“Zimbabwe’s cultures are not merely decorations on the margins of development. They are its very foundation and backbone.”
Minister Sanyatwe said the hosting of the national commemorations in Bulawayo reflected the city’s rich multicultural identity and historical significance.
“This year’s edition is very special, being held at this iconic Barbourfields Stadium in the culturally rich city of Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens,” he said.
“Bulawayo is not merely hosting this celebration, but it embodies it. This city is itself a living mosaic where Ndebele, Kalanga, Venda, Tonga, Nambya, Shangani, Shona-speaking people and many others have co-existed together across generations, making it a rainbow city.”
The minister said the celebrations showcased Zimbabwe’s rich cultural expressions through music, dance, language and traditional heritage.
“The thunderous rhythms of imbube, amabhiza and other traditional music, the philosophical paths of ubuntu and intricate Ndebele traditions are being showcased today,” he said.
Minister Sanyatwe said the Government deliberately rotates the hosting of Culture Month commemorations across provinces in line with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda and inclusive development philosophy.
“The hosting of Culture Month rotates deliberately across Zimbabwe’s provinces because our cultural wealth is not concentrated in any single city or region,” he said.
“It lives in every corner of this country — from the Zambezi to the Limpopo and from Mutare to Plumtree.
“Every province is a treasury of cultural heritage that deserves national spotlighting in line with the Second Republic’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Today, it is Bulawayo Metropolitan Province which holds the spotlight with distinction.”
The commemorations also highlighted the Government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for cultural and creative industries to thrive.
Minister Sanyatwe said his ministry continued to implement policies aimed at strengthening the arts and culture sector while preserving Zimbabwe’s heritage.
“As a ministry, we continue to work hard in improving the enabling environment for our sector by crafting policies that make cultural and creative businesses thrive,” he said.
“Furthermore, the ministry has partnered with Unesco in compiling the intangible cultural heritage in all provinces.”
He commended traditional leaders for supporting the Government’s efforts to preserve indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage.
“At this point in time, allow me to applaud our traditional leaders for the immense support they are giving the ministry as we undertake this noble cause,” said Minister Sanyatwe.
He said culture remained central to community identity and national cohesion.
“Culture is the heartbeat of the community,” he said.
“It is not just found in the clothes we wear, the food we eat or the music that we play. It is the living history of who we are and the values we hold dearly.”
Minister Sanyatwe urged Zimbabweans, particularly young people, to embrace their roots and preserve the country’s cultural heritage for future generations.
“As we gather to celebrate, we are reminded that our cultural heritage is our most precious inheritance,” he said.
“When we take time to learn our own roots and respect those among us, we build a foundation of mutual understanding towards Vision 2030.
“As such, Culture Month is Zimbabwe’s annual declaration that our cultures will thrive in their diversity, stone by stone and brick by brick.”
The 2026 National Culture Month commemorations coincide with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and will continue throughout the month with various cultural activities being held across the country.
