Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture has immersed itself in the spirit of culture, with staffers committing to the national dress fabric and African prints to celebrate Culture Month with Minister Anselem Sanyatwe leading the charge.
This is in tandem with the Culture Month’s second week dubbed, “Indigenous Fashion Week” where Zimbabweans are urged to flaunt the National Fabric and other African designs.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) said, “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. 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.”
In a social media post, the Ministry said, “Hon. Minister Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Amb. A. N. Sanyatwe and the Ministry staff are actively participating in the Culture Month, by wearing National Fabric and African prints. This second week of May we are focusing on traditional fashion. We encourage the nation to showcase the nation’s rich heritage and diverse cultural expressions through embracing and flaunting our fashion.”
The National Culture Month will be launched on May 22 at Rusununguko Clinic in Chiredzi, Masvingo Province.
President Mnangagwa will officiate at the proceedings and the national programme will draw exhibitors, artists and tourism business in the province is expected to grow.
A musical gala has also been planned with details to be shared in due course.
The NACZ and the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture have for years celebrated cultural diversity hence the event was named Culture Week up to 2021.
In 2021, the concept was reviewed leading to the need to host events throughout the month of May, and there was a consensus to rename the programme “Culture Month.” Since its inauguration to date, the event has attracted an audience of over 13 million people within and beyond the borders of Zimbabwe.
The coming in of the Second Republic witnessed the highest office in the land, the Office of the President and Cabinet embracing and blessing the event by having President Mnangagwa as the guest of honour for all the national launches. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
