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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE Great Limpopo Cultural Fair held over the weekend in Chiredzi, Masvingo lived up to its billing with cultural groups from three countries producing top-drawer performance. The three- day cultural extravaganza, which started on Friday night and ended on Sunday was held at Chiredzi Showgrounds.
The event saw more than 24 Shangani, Venda and Ndau groups, drawn from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe battling it out.
Chiredzi Takashinga Cultural Group stole the hearts of international dignitaries with its exhilarating dances.
The group earned it’s a ticket to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly that is being co-hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls and Livingstone. The group would also be the only cultural group performing during the UNWTO General Assembly pre-planning tourism conference, slated for Masvingo next month.
The fair which started with a procession from Tshovani Stadium through Chiredzi town centre and back to the Stadium, was action packed. The event also attracted both primary and secondary school pupils that participated through song, dance and poetry.
The regional cultural fair was also characterised by exhibition of cultural artifacts and wildlife.
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Engineer Walter Mzembi, who was also guest of honour was impressed by Chiredzi Traditional Dance Group’s exploits and said the group would represent other groups at this year’s tourism event.
“I am impressed by this group that I don’t have a choice but to second them to represent Masvingo at this year’s tourism conference in Victoria Falls. The group continues to shine and their superb displays cannot go unnoticed,” he said.
Their promotion to attend the conference comes on the heel of winning yet another prize at the just ended Carnival in Harare. Clad in traditional gab, the eight- member group was just a marvel to watch with their fancy footwork, which also received praises from Masvingo Governor, Cde Titus Maluleke who gave welcoming remarks and urged communities from the three particpating countries to celebrate their cultural diversity.
“I am elated to see that the three countries still value their culture. It is high time that we stop thinking in colonial terms, but in progressive terms, where differences are celebrated and common features amplified to promote peace,” said Governor Maluleke.
Present at the cultural fair were Vembe district Mayor, Temba Mapikele, Officials from Department of Tourism from Vembe, Mashudu Thagwana and Dzivhani Nkhangwe from the Environment Department in Pretoria. Local traditional chiefs including Chief Tshovani, Chief Gudo and Chief Sengwe also attended.
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