Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture has gone all out in commemorating Culture Month, with staff members adorning the national dress fabric and African prints as a bold statement of cultural pride and identity. The initiative, spearheaded by the Honourable Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, marks a profound embrace of the nation’s cultural heritage.
This commitment aligns with the Culture Month’s second-week theme – Indigenous Fashion Week – which encourages Zimbabweans to don the national fabric and traditional African designs that celebrate the country’s rich fashion culture.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) highlighted the importance of institutional and community participation in this cultural expression.
“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,” read a NACZ statement.
On social media, the Ministry affirmed its full participation: “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 Culture Month national launch will take place on May 22 at Rusununguko Clinic in Chiredzi, Masvingo Province. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officiate at the event, which is anticipated to boost tourism and draw a broad mix of exhibitors and artists from across the country.
A musical gala is also in the pipeline, with full details to be announced soon.
The celebration of Cultural Diversity has long been championed by both the NACZ and the Ministry. Previously known as Culture Week, the programme was rebranded in 2021 to Culture Month to accommodate an extended calendar of activities throughout May. Since then, it has attracted more than 13 million participants locally and internationally.
The Second Republic’s tenure has seen the Office of the President and Cabinet actively endorsing the programme, with President Mnangagwa consistently gracing the national launches as Guest of Honour. – Follow updates on X @MbuleloMpofu
