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Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE Government has commended Shangano Arts Festival for its role in promoting and preserving cultural heritage saying the festival contributed towards the development of the creative sector.
Officially opening the 17th edition of Shangano Arts Festival recently, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Nicholas Moyo said such platforms complemented Government efforts in contributing to local economies and the nation’s GDP.
“Your dedication and commitment to promoting the culture and creative industry of Zimbabwe is commendable. This complements Government efforts of ensuring that the environment is favourable for creatives to harness the sector’s potential and turn it into tangible economic gains. We recognise the integral role festivals play in our culture and heritage as they build the moral fibre of our nation as we continually mould ubuntu amongst the youths who are indeed the future of this country,” said Mr Moyo.
He said Government would in an effort to preserve and promote cultural heritage, enact policies to promote national arts given the fast paced world brought on by advancement in technology.
“In this fast-paced world where technology often takes centre stage, it is crucial that we continue to support and nurture our artistic communities. The Shangano Arts Festival is testament to our commitment in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage for generations to come. Thus, Government will continue to enact policies that ensure the development of the cultural and creative sector and in the process ensure that ‘we leave no place and no one behind’.”
Mr Moyo reiterated the immense impact that arts and culture had on society such as power to unite people from all walks of life. He said festivals encouraged unity amongst people, promoted positive values, were vehicles for patriotism and national ethos and revived history and cultural heritage while contributing to local economies through cultural tourism.
This year’s edition ran from 22-26 November under the theme “Kumusilija”, a Nambya word meaning revived and it saw artistes being trained on censorship laws and arts management.
For the first time the festival also played host to a children’s stage where kids learnt new skills and showcased their talents while showcasing Gender Based Violence (GBV) plays and casting a spotlight on coal fires awareness through various forms of arts.
It also featured the first ever, Matabeleland North music gala which gave artistes an opportunity to showcase their talents. The festival was headlined by multi award winning poet, Obert Dube who put up an exhilarating performance. However, it was Deaf Arts, a grouping of artistes with hearing impairment that were the stars as they grabbed the audience’s attention with their well choreographed performance and drama.
Festival director, Mr Petros Ndlovu said this year’s edition was meant to celebrate artistes’ resilience, determination and commitment to growth of the creative industry in the province in the face of Covid-19.
Online Reporter