Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke, Senior Zimpapers Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s culture is dynamic, evolving and deeply interwoven with its people’s national identity; hence it is important for all citizens to champion and promote national heritage, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Harare, where he, his deputies and all Ministers wore the national dress as part of observing National Culture Month, the President emphasised the importance of recognising the national dress as a means to ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of pride and cultural consciousness.
“The decision to wear our national dress at today’s meeting is rooted in our collective commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich tapestry of Zimbabwean culture. Our attire is more than fabric and design — it is a representation of our history, values and aspirations.
“It embodies the resilience of our people, the vibrancy of our traditions, and the unity that binds us together as a nation.
“By embracing our national dress, we reaffirm Zimbabwe’s place in the global dialogue on cultural preservation and appreciation,” he said.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) declared May 21 as the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. In that spirit, Zimbabwe extends the celebrations across the entire month, to promote both indigenous and contemporary cultural expressions.
National Culture Month, which is running until May 31 under the theme: “Celebrating Indigenous Voices,” is set to be officially launched by President Mnangagwa and seeks to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe, promote cultural diversity and foster national unity.
It also aims to showcase diverse cultural practices and promote intellectual dialogue for cross-cultural understanding and exchange.
President Mnangagwa said Cabinet’s decision to wear the national dress had been agreed upon during the 11th Cabinet meeting last week, as a way to lead by example in honouring Zimbabwean identity and cultural heritage.
“The celebrations to mark the Day run for a whole month and offer a window to promote and showcase the diversity of Zimbabwean culture, encompassing both the indigenous and contemporary traits of cultural expressions. The Month of May, designated as the National Culture Month, therefore, serves as a time for reflection, celebration, and the promotion of Zimbabwean traditions that define us as a people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa encouraged Cabinet Ministers to champion the country’s cultural values, stressing that heritage should not be confined to ceremonial occasions.
“May this occasion inspire us to continue advocating for the richness of Zimbabwean traditions, not only in May but throughout the year,” he added.
The launch of Culture Month is set to be marked by nationwide activities planned to spotlight local languages, traditional music and dance, cuisine and crafts.
The first week of the commemorations is expected to focus on encouraging historical recipes and cooking techniques, while the second week will be an Indigenous Fashion Week.
This will be followed by the National Culture Month launch during the third week and the Indigenous Languages and Cultural Dialogue Week, in the last week.
