Online Reporter
Limukani Ncube
The Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Hon Emily Jesaya, has arrived at the Chief Dakamela homestead in Nkayi for the Imiklomelo KaDakamela cultural festival.
The festival, which kicked off on Friday and runs until Sunday, has drawn thousands of attendees from Zimbabwe, neighbouring countries, and Europe.
Chief Dakamela welcomed dignitaries, including chiefs from South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and a representative from the African Union, at a brief ceremony on Saturday morning.
“We welcome you to Dakamela,” Chief Dakamela said. “We appreciate the presence of chiefs, government officials, and the Deputy Minister. I have said to the Ministry before that ours is culture. Let’s also give culture more focus, which has been overshadowed by sports for too long.”
Chief Dakamela thanked attendees for braving some poor sections of the road.
“I know some might have experienced some car breakdowns along the way because of our road, but I’m happy the Minister is here so she will push the government to speed up the repairs of our road.”
Among custodians of arts and culture present is National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Mr Napoleon Nyani, poet Albert Nyathi, arts director and producer Simon Mambazo Phiri and musician Jeys Marabini, among others.
The official ceremony is underway, with Deputy Minister Jesaya set to deliver the keynote address.
