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Reginald Chirenje-Youth Interactive Reporter
The young generation can be regarded as victims of culture erosion due to various reasons which have been brought by the 21st century. Immigration, industrialisation, Western religion dominance and globalisation are factors leading to the loss of African cultural identity.
Youths from different parts of our nation recently shared thoughts on the importance of culture preservation.
Regardless of many threats which are being posed to African culture, youths have been doing quite a lot of activities so as to keep the traditional culture alive.
Culture is seen as a totality of the behaviour pattern of a particular group.
It includes everything that makes them distinct from any other group of people for instance greeting habits, dressing, social norms, rites of passage, taboos as well as philosophical beliefs.
“Culture, as it is understood, entails a lot of characters and traits that are peculiar to people to an extent that it marks them out from other societies”, said Pamela Anderson, young female jazz musician.
There has been a re-introduction of telling folk stories and from such acts, the young generation has been gaining their cultural heritage which to a greater extent determines their way of thinking, morals and attitudes.
“Folktales reflect culture because they relate to the lifestyle of the people who produce it, their institutions, ceremonies and crafts. They also expresses their beliefs, customs, attitudes and their way of thinking” , Munyaradzi Kandindare added.
Another way in which African culture can be preserved is through restoration of historical sites such as Great Zimbabwe which acts as a reminder of the ancient lifestyle.
The erection of statutes for our heroes such as Joshua Nkomo and Mbuya Nehanda in Zimbabwe is a clear reflection of how the Government is working towards preserving the culture and heritage of the nation so as to keep the history of the nation alive.
These efforts have been greatly appreciated by many people nationwide, who have witnessed its positive impact specifically to the young generation.
“As young people we can preserve our African culture by upholding the values of Ubuntu and Humanity which have always been part of the African philosophy”, said a young lady who is much into African culture.
For the young generation, it is important to preserve cultural heritage as it keeps the nation’s integrity.
The importance of intangible cultural heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it, from one generation to the other.
Cultural heritage has become an important part of our lives as it helps us to stay connected to our ancestors.
Hence it develops the connection between the past and the future which is the reason why the youths should also strive to enhance the protection and conservation of their heritage sites and artefacts.
Online Reporter