Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
EXCITEMENT is building ahead of the inaugural Matlharihasi Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage and community development expected to draw people from across Chipinge South and beyond when it takes place on September 18, at Hakamela Stadium in Mahenye.
The day-long festival promises a rich programme of activities designed to preserve indigenous traditions while promoting community participation, innovation and local talent.
Organisers say the event will bring together residents, schools, cultural groups and regional organisations in a colourful showcase of Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity.
Among the highlights will be a traditional fish drive, an age-old communal practice long associated with life in the Mahenye area.
The event will also feature indigenous storytelling competitions for schoolchildren, traditional dance contests, a traditional food cook-out, exhibitions by community groups and organisations, and a 21-kilometre marathon.
Festival organisers say the event is more than entertainment, describing it as a platform for celebrating cultural identity while creating opportunities for community empowerment and sustainable development.
One of the organisers, Liberty Chauke, said the festival was born out of a desire to preserve traditions that are gradually disappearing while giving younger generations an opportunity to appreciate their cultural heritage.
“The Matlharihasi Festival is about celebrating who we are as a people. Our traditions, our stories, our dances and our indigenous knowledge are an important part of our identity, and we want to ensure they are passed on to future generations,” said Chauke.
He added: “We have designed a programme that involves everyone, from schoolchildren to elders, because culture thrives when communities participate together. At the same time, the festival creates a platform for innovation, local enterprise and community partnerships that can contribute to development.”
Chauke said organisers were encouraged by growing interest from community groups and stakeholders who have expressed willingness to participate.
“We are expecting local cultural groups, schools and organisations from across the region to take part.
“The response has been very positive, and we believe the festival will become an annual event that people look forward to every year. Beyond entertainment, we want visitors to leave with a deeper appreciation of Mahenye’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.
The festival is expected to attract participation from local community groups and regional organisations, including the Chipinge Residents and Ratepayers Trust, among other stakeholders committed to promoting community development.
For young people, the indigenous storytelling competition is expected to be a stand-out attraction, giving learners an opportunity to share traditional folklore while developing confidence and public speaking skills.
The traditional dance competitions will also offer local cultural ensembles a stage to showcase their talent and keep centuries-old performances alive.
Food lovers will have the chance to sample a variety of traditional dishes during the cook-out competition, where participants will prepare indigenous meals using locally available ingredients.
The exhibition section will give local artisans, entrepreneurs and community organisations an opportunity to display their products, services and initiatives.
Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts will also have something to look forward to through the 21-kilometre marathon, which organisers hope will encourage healthy lifestyles while adding another dimension to the celebrations.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Mahenye, an area renowned for its rich cultural heritage and close ties to nature, the festival is expected to provide an immersive experience that blends entertainment, education and community engagement.
As preparations gather momentum, organisers remain optimistic that the Matlharihasi Festival will establish itself as one of the region’s flagship cultural events, strengthening community bonds while preserving traditions that define the identity of the people of Mahenye for generations to come.
