Sundaymail Editor
Fatima Bulla-Musakwa
AFRICANS must stand firm in promoting, preserving and practising their cultures, which face extinction owing to rapid globalisation and ubiquity of novel technologies undermining the local culture and heritage.
This was said by the Zimbabwe Staff College Chief of Staff (Intelligence) Major-General Thomas Moyo, who was speaking at belated Culture Day commemorations for the country’s uniformed forces.
Maj-Gen Moyo cited the influence of technology, specifically online platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, which he said were diluting African cultures.
These platforms, he said, were helping to perpetuate a false image of Africa as a “dark continent”. It was the responsibility of uniformed forces, he said, to remain resolute in safeguarding cultural norms and values, which were under threat of disappearing entirely.
“Let me mention that one of the main reasons we waged liberation struggles in the region and beyond was to restore our cultural values. Therefore, as we celebrate who we are today, let us also reflect on our founding fathers of the African continent, who fought for the restoration of our cultural values.”
The commemorations were held under the theme “Our Culture: Building Zimbabwe Brick by Brick”. Representatives from neighbouring countries showcased exhibitions of traditional food, clothing, artefacts, song and dance from their respective countries.
Defence forces of South Africa, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Eswatini, Lesotho, Nigeria and Namibia were represented. Maj-Gen Moyo said the exhibitions told stories of African culture and offered an opportunity for people to have a deeper appreciation of different cultures.
“As Africa, let us use this opportunity to enhance intra- and inter-cultural interaction,” he said.
“This will enable us as AU (African Union) Forces in particular to strategically position ourselves and be counted among the progressive communities.
Online Reporter