Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Senior Political Reporter
THE successful hosting of the 2026 National Culture Month launch at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Thursday highlighted Zimbabwe’s unity in diversity, with President Mnangagwa commending the city for staging a vibrant and inclusive celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
The commemorations brought together people from across the country and reinforced the message that cultural diversity should serve as a source of national pride, unity and shared identity rather than division.
From the multitudes that thronged Barbourfields Stadium to the breathtaking performances by local artistes, the occasion transformed the iconic venue into a living mosaic of Zimbabwe’s heritage, identity and unity.
Thousands of people clad in dazzling traditional regalia, national colours and cultural attire filled the stadium, with women wrapped in brightly patterned fabrics while men donned embroidered shirts, animal skins, traditional hats and other cultural regalia symbolising Zimbabwe’s rich ethnic diversity.
Held under the theme, “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions,” the commemorations brought together people from all the country’s 10 provinces in a vibrant showcase of traditional dances, indigenous cuisine, languages, music, poetry and fashion.
Delivering a moving speech that evoked the spirit of togetherness, President Mnangagwa praised Bulawayo for its deep cultural roots while reaffirming that Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity remains a source of unity, peaceful coexistence and national development.
He paid glowing tribute to the city, describing it as a fitting venue for national cultural commemorations because of its rich historical and cultural identity.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to address you all at the launch of the 2026 National Culture Month Celebrations being held here in the City of Bulawayo, lapha eMagumeni, at Barbourfields Stadium.
“This city has an identity which is rich in our culture and national history. As such, Bulawayo is a befitting venue for the national celebrations of the World Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended the collaborative efforts between Government and local leadership that ensured the success of the event.
“I congratulate the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the leadership of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province for the manner in which you organised these commemorations.
“It warms my heart that across this ground, people from all our 10 provinces have united together, speaking all our languages, dressed in varied attire and adornments, sharing food, music and dance.
“Well done, Zimbabwe. Well done, Bulawayo,” said the President.
The jubilant atmosphere at Barbourfields Stadium reflected the spirit of unity and cultural pride that characterised the celebrations, with artistes delivering scintillating performances that kept the crowd on its feet throughout the day.
President Mnangagwa said the overwhelming attendance and vibrant displays were testimony to Zimbabweans’ enduring pride in their culture and heritage.
“I thank you all for coming and for the breathtaking displays we have witnessed today,” he said. “Once again, well done, Bulawayo omuhle. Siyabonga.”
The commemorations also highlighted the Government’s commitment to promoting the cultural and creative industries as key contributors to economic growth and employment creation under Vision 2030.
President Mnangagwa said his administration was implementing deliberate reforms aimed at improving the operating environment for artistes, promoters and other players within the creative sector.
“I have, therefore, directed the National Arts Council and local authorities to reduce registration fees and renewal levies for artistes, promoters, venues and creative organisations,” he said.
“These should be in sync with the ease of doing business reforms so that players in the cultural and creative industries can spur the growth of the sector.”
In a stern warning directed at implementing authorities, President Mnangagwa stressed that his directive must be fully complied with.
“Please take heed of my instruction,” he said firmly.
The President’s remarks were widely interpreted as a strong warning that authorities failing to implement the directive risked undermining Government policy aimed at empowering creatives and promoting the arts sector.
He said the Second Republic remained committed to investing in infrastructure that preserves Zimbabwe’s heritage while improving livelihoods at community level.
“Additionally, my Administration continues to invest in infrastructure to help preserve our heritage, as well as improve incomes and livelihoods at community level,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The Isizinda Culture Centre in Maphisa, Matobo District in Matabeleland South Province, which was recently commissioned by the First Lady, Amai Mnangagwa, on the eve of the 46th Independence Anniversary, is one such example.”
President Mnangagwa also challenged the media to play a leading role in promoting Zimbabwean culture beyond commemorative events.
“I challenge the media to sustain the objectives of Culture Month beyond a one-day story,” he said.
“You carry a national obligation to promote Zimbabwean content. These month-long commemorations afford you the opportunity to fulfil that responsibility with innovation and pride.”
The celebrations further cemented Bulawayo’s growing status as a key host city for major national commemorations under the Second Republic’s devolution agenda.
The city previously made history after becoming the first province outside Harare to host the national Independence Day celebrations under the decentralised national events programme.
The successful hosting of the Culture Month launch once again demonstrated Bulawayo’s capacity to stage major national events while showcasing Zimbabwe’s diversity, unity and cultural richness.
Culture Month is commemorated annually in May to celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and recognise the role of culture in national development.
This year’s commemorations coincide with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and will continue throughout the month with exhibitions, performances, cultural exchanges and community activities being held across the country.
