Online Reporter
WRITERS never die.
Their works immortalise them.
In the captivating and immersive world of local literature, Dr Paul Chidyausiku, who passed away on May 9 (may his dear soul rest in peace), was a god.
His thoughts — captured in his various books, among them “Nhoroondo Dzokuwanana”, “Broken Roots”, “Pfungwa DzaSekuru Mafusire”, “Ndakambokuyambira” and “Karume Kangu” — will be shared by generations to come.
He also wrote several poems and published numerous articles in several publications locally and abroad.
It was his passion for local languages, however, that was particularly notable.
Another project that Dr Chidyausiku helped found and lead, Kwayedza, a sister publication in vernacular, is still with us today.
Its importance, as a repository, curator and conveyor of our local language(s), cannot be overemphasised.
However, language is more than a medium of communication; it is a mark of our heritage and culture.
It is through language that our traditions and culture have been handed down through generations.
Critically, Dr Chidyausiku’s demise rather fortuitously coincides with commemorations to mark Culture Month, which runs throughout May.
It will culminate in the launch that will be presided over by President Mnangagwa in Masvingo on Thursday.
More than 20 000 people are expected for this event, which is designed to
celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and promote unity through diversity.
Instructively, this year’s commemorations are running under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices”, which calls on Zimbabweans to embrace and promote their traditional languages, dress, food and arts as vital tools for national identity, economic development and social cohesion.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, whose province will
host the festivities, could not have
captured the essence of the event any better.
“Cultural events like these,” he said, “are pivotal in preserving our heritage. They ensure that the traditions of our forebears are passed on to future generations.”
In a highly globalised world that is contaminated by diverse cultures, our language, values and traditions are under threat.
Disproportionate exposure to Western culture through an insidious cultural imperialism driven by music, film and dressing, among the numerous instruments of soft power, threatens to upend our own.
We need to turn the tide by being intentional in aggressively promoting our own culture.
We use the word intentional advisedly, for the promotion of our values has to be a conscious effort that we make.
The suggestion that was recently made by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) for schools and companies to set aside a day to promote indigenous fashion is worth considering.
“During this period, schools and employers must contribute to culture by setting aside a day to promote indigenous fashion and creatively come up with ways to motivate the best-dressed individuals,” said NACZ.
“In communities, churches may as well dedicate a Saturday or a Sunday for African wear and recognise the best-dressed individuals or couples or family to ignite interest and excitement thereof.”
But no individual has put in so much effort to preserve the country’s culture as First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Her commendable programmes, such as Gota/Nhanga/Ixhiba, the first-of-its-kind Zviperengo Cultural Quiz for learners, and the promotion of traditional foods and the national dress, have made a huge impact through raising national awareness and consciousness among Zimbabweans.
The benefits are immense.
Research has proved that Africa’s fermented foods hold both cultural significance and health benefits.
Millet and sorghum, for example, can help reduce blood glucose levels and cholesterol.
In Zimbabwe, maheu, a traditional beverage produced through the fermentation of sorghum, still remains popular.
Conversely, ultra-processed foods — which have been popularised by Western culture and often contain additives like preservatives, sweeteners and artificial colours — have been linked to adverse health outcomes, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, digestive issues and increased mortality.
Examples of such foods that dominate diets today are sugary drinks, as well as processed and ready-to-eat meals.
We need to rediscover ourselves as a people by reclaiming our culture, and this we can do through music, film, dress and writings, which are undeniably potent weapons of soft power.
It is a conscious effort that we have to make.
Societies in the West and East have managed to preserve their cultures.
However, it is Africa that currently finds its rich culture threatened the most.
Online Reporter