Online Reporter
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
IT was a colourful spectacle of song, dance and cultural pride as Manicaland Province officially launched the Provincial Culture Month commemorations at Chief Hata’s homestead in Nyanga last Friday.
Hundreds of people drawn from across the province, with the majority coming from Nyanga District, gathered to celebrate the richness and diversity of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage under the theme: “Cultural Diversity Advancing Vision 2030.”
The provincial launch followed the national Culture Month launch officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province.
The event was attended by traditional leaders from Nyanga District, namely Chiefs Hata, Saunyama, Katerere and Tangwena, as well as Senator Chief Mutasa, who is also the chairperson of the Manicaland Provincial Chiefs’ Council.
The Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Province, Misheck Mugadza, was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Abiot Maronge.
The celebrations showcased the province’s rich cultural tapestry through exhibitions, traditional performances and educational activities aimed at preserving indigenous knowledge systems. Local communities, corporate organisations and various Government departments mounted exhibitions, displaying indigenous agricultural produce, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and other aspects of the province’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Traditional dance groups captivated audiences with energetic performances, while musicians entertained revellers with songs celebrating Zimbabwean identity and values.
School children were afforded a unique opportunity to participate in the Nhanga and Gota cultural learning sessions facilitated by village elders. The initiative, championed by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, seeks to instil discipline, good grooming, etiquette and Zimbabwean cultural values among the younger generation.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Mugadza, Maronge underscored the importance of safeguarding Zimbabwe’s cultural identity in the face of globalisation.
“We should be proud to be Zimbabweans in our diversity. We need to jealously guard against cultural erosion,” he said.
Mr Maronge added that every Zimbabwean has a responsibility to uphold, preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
“It is our duty to uphold, preserve and promote our local Zimbabwean culture as it defines who we are as a people and contributes towards national development,” he said.
Host traditional leader, Chief Hata, emphasised the need for communities to continuously organise cultural activities that strengthen social cohesion and preserve indigenous knowledge systems.
“We should continue hosting activities of this nature and use culture as a bridge for development and peace within our communities,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also made a notable impression through an exhibition mounted by the ZRP Women Network Manicaland. The stand attracted considerable interest from attendees, while a fashion showcase by members of the police service highlighted the elegance and pride associated with African attire. The models, drawn from the rank and file of the organisation, confidently displayed a variety of traditional outfits that reflected the beauty and diversity of Zimbabwean culture.
As the commemorations continue throughout the month, the Manicaland Provincial Culture Month Launch served as a powerful reminder that culture remains a vital pillar in fostering national identity, promoting social harmony and advancing the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations. The event, not only celebrated the province’s rich heritage, but also reinforced the collective responsibility of communities to safeguard and pass on Zimbabwe’s cultural legacy to future generations.
