Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabweans to embrace and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage, saying unity in diversity remains the bedrock for national development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
Officially launching the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Thursday, President Mnangagwa said culture was not only central to national identity but also a critical economic asset that could drive industrialisation, tourism and job creation.
Running under the theme: “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions”, the commemorations were attended by people from across the country’s 10 provinces, showcasing Zimbabwe’s languages, traditional attire, cuisine, music and dance.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s diversity should never be a source of division but a pillar of unity and peaceful coexistence.
“We stand with our heads high as a magnificent-diverse people, united under one indivisible and unitary state. From Plumtree to Mutare, Zambezi to Limpopo, we are one; Simunye, sibambene, tirivamwe, takabatana,” he said.
The President also warned against the erosion of African values and traditions through globalisation and digital technologies, saying Zimbabwe would remain vigilant in safeguarding its cultural identity.
“The National Culture Month commemorations stand as a bold declaration that we will continue to protect and preserve our heritage, including our languages, dances, ceremonies, cuisines, norms and traditions that make our Zimbabwean civilisation unique and very special,” he said.
President Mnangagwa paid tribute to artistes, poets, sculptors, musicians and chefs for preserving and promoting Zimbabwean culture through their creative works.
He described the country’s creativity and talent as a source of national pride, urging practitioners in the cultural and creative industries to produce authentic Zimbabwean content capable of competing on the global stage.
“To accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030, we must harness our unique cultural expressions as critical instruments for national development. The ingenuity of our people is an economic asset,” he said.
The President said the Government was implementing measures to commecialise the creative sector and improve livelihoods through cultural tourism and the arts industry.
In a major boost for creatives, President Mnangagwa revealed that he had directed the National Arts Council and local authorities to reduce registration fees and renewal levies for artists, promoters, venues and creative organisations in line with ease of doing business reforms.
“I invite the corporate world to partner Government and invest in the Cultural and Creative Economy sector. Synergies in this regard must see us create enabling infrastructure for increased professionalisation, skills training and creation of employment opportunities for talented youths,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also commended traditional leaders for safeguarding Zimbabwe’s heritage and urged them to document and protect indigenous knowledge systems, ceremonies and values.
He challenged communities to hold more cultural festivals to entrench traditional norms and customs among younger generations.
The President further called on the media to play a leading role in promoting Zimbabwean culture beyond the commemorative month.
“You carry a national obligation to promote Zimbabwean content. These one-month-long commemorations afford you the opportunity to fulfil that responsibility with innovation and pride,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also urged youth to embrace their African identity and heritage.
“You must never perceive culture, tradition and modernity as polarised enemies. Great innovators and creators of every generation have been those who draw deeply from their roots while reaching boldly towards new horizons,” he said.
President Mnangagwa stressed the need for national unity, saying no tribe, province or clan was superior to another.
“In all that we do, let us jealously guard our unity and peace. We are one people, one country and an indivisible unitary state. No clan, tribe or province is superior to another,” he said.
