Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, has officially launched Culture Month, which will be celebrated with a series of activities across the country.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Indigenous Voices,” promises fireworks, featuring a diverse array of exciting events.
In a media address in Harare yesterday, Minister Sanyatwe urged Zimbabweans to take pride in their culture, which shapes our identity.
“It is with great pride and joy that I officially announce to the nation the upcoming Culture Month in May, a celebration of our rich heritage, diverse traditions, and the vibrant creativity that defines us as a nation. Culture is the soul of our identity. It is the thread that weaves together our past, present, and future.
“This month, we honour the artists, storytellers, musicians, dancers, writers, and custodians of heritage who keep our traditions alive and inspire new expressions of who we are as Africans and Zimbabweans, in particular
“Culture Month is not just a series of events; it is a movement − a movement to preserve our indigenous knowledge and ancestral practices, promote artistic innovation and cultural exchange, unite our people across languages, religions, and backgrounds, and empower young creatives to take their place in shaping our cultural landscape,” he said.
Minister Sanyatwe acknowledged that this year’s theme aims to celebrate local indigenous languages, stating, “This year’s theme, ‘Celebrating Indigenous Voices,’ seeks to recognise, honour, and promote the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, as well as to promote self-expression through different forms of art.
“This theme acknowledges the critical role languages play in shaping identity, culture, and community. It also seeks to address the historical marginalization and suppression of Indigenous languages, as well as self-expression and self-determination.”
He also noted that the Culture Month celebrations will be divided into segments that will run for the whole month, starting today.
“The first week of May must be abuzz with a focus on encouraging historical recipes and cooking techniques, connecting modern eaters to their culinary heritage. From homes to schools, to restaurants and hotels, the conversations about healthy lifestyles must shift dominantly towards driving an appetite for traditional foods. These include traditional beverages, spices, herbs, and fruits.
“This period should be an opportunity to drive mega-sales through discounted promotions on traditional meals, a moment to initiate traditional cooking competitions or masterclasses, and to dialogue around healthy diet practices as part of reminding each other of who we are as Africans and Zimbabweans, in particular,” he stressed.
Fashion enthusiasts and designers have every reason to be ecstatic, with the second week dedicated to them.
“The second week of May will roll in style with colorful and unique forms of cultural wear. It comes as an opportunity to flaunt our national fabric and other African designs that speak loudly of our embedded fashion culture.
“During this period, schools and employers must contribute to culture by setting aside a day to promote indigenous fashion and creatively come up with ways to motivate the best-dressed individuals. In communities, churches may also dedicate a Saturday or Sunday for African wear and recognize the best-dressed individuals, couples, or families to ignite interest and excitement,” he remarked.
The third week of May has been set aside for major celebrations countrywide.
“…It will, however, climax with the National Culture Month Launch, to be held on a date to be advised this May 2025, which will be presided over by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, at Rusununguko Grounds, Ward 2, under Chief Tshovani, Chiredzi District in Masvingo Province.
“The national event will celebrate the achievements of Zimbabwe’s development trajectory and the impact of arts and artists on the economy. It also celebrates our identity and diverse culture. The Culture Month launch will also serve as a platform for showcasing Zimbabwe’s success stories in cultural development and its commitment to fulfilling regional and international protocols that promote the growth of the creative and cultural industries,” he explained.
He also mentioned that the fourth week will focus on promoting Indigenous languages.
“The fourth week of May will be dedicated to recognizing and celebrating indigenous voices through music, dance, storytelling, visual displays of arts, poetry, literature, theatre/drama, films, language workshops, and, most importantly, through dialogue for unity and development.
“During this period, the programming of various institutions must align with Culture Month objectives and the theme, especially by creating platforms, activities, and events aimed at acknowledging, mainstreaming, validating, and valourising the 16 officially recognized languages. Such deliberate efforts will be in practical fulfillment of the aspirations of the Zimbabwe National Languages Policy, which is under consideration.”
He continued: “The fourth week of Culture Month will ensure not only multilingualism and the provision of multilingual services and development but also encourage language diversity and uphold language rights. Culture Month celebrations will also be held in all 10 administrative provinces. Provincial launches will be officiated by Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
“As we roll into the month of May, I encourage all Zimbabweans to take pride in our culture and pass the torch to the younger generation. Our values should not go into extinction.”
