Mkoba Culture Hub revives Zimbabwe’s traditions at teachers’ college

LOCATED on the grounds of Mkoba Teachers’ College (MTC), the Mkoba Culture Hub stands as a tranquil oasis celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems.

Although still in its infancy, the hub — designed to resemble a traditional rural homestead — is a cultural, educational and economic development initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s traditions, values and identity.

The facility comprises traditional huts, an indigenous forest, exhibition areas and performance spaces. Plans are underway to expand the project to include a traditional restaurant, artisan kiosks and culturally themed chalets.

When a Zimpapers news crew visited the site, third-year students were immersed in practical traditional learning under the guidance of lecturers. They were engaged in cultural practices, crafts and entrepreneurship activities as part of the Heritage-Based Curriculum.

MTC spokesperson Mr Bernard Moyo said the initiative aligns with the country’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.

“The Mkoba Culture Hub will contribute to human capital development, heritage-based education, employment creation and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

Mr Moyo said once fully developed, the hub will generate income through cultural tourism, accommodation, events and craft sales while enhancing practical learning.

Among the structures is the sikiro (main bedroom), designed to reflect traditional family life and serve as a space for storytelling, ceremonies and cultural gatherings.

The boys’ dormitory, known as the mugota, will host workshops focused on traditional male roles, leadership, farming and craftsmanship.

“This space will help instil a sense of identity and pride in our heritage while promoting positive behaviour and community involvement among young men,” said Mr Moyo.

Another hut represents the munhanga/ixhiba, a communal space for women and girls focusing on empowerment, cultural education and mentorship. Activities will include traditional crafts, cooking and rites-of-passage teachings, alongside discussions on health and entrepreneurship.

The kitchen area will showcase indigenous cuisine and traditional cooking methods, supporting both educational programmes and future cultural tourism initiatives.

MTC principal Dr Rosina Mavunga said the college has incorporated the munhanga/mugota/ixhiba concept championed by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa as part of efforts to address social challenges affecting young people.

The First Lady’s munhanga/mugota programme will be supported by the Mkoba Culture Hub through dedicated workshops and training sessions focused on empowering young women and preserving cultural heritage.

The initiative, running under the theme: “Dzidziso yaAmai munhanga/mugota/ixhiba yevachirikuyaruka”, seeks to revive traditional mechanisms for fostering morality and imparting wisdom to young people.

“We have lecturers playing traditional roles of guiding youths, teaching them valuable life lessons, and instilling discipline. Our students, especially, go through these lessons and when they leave MTC, they will be equipped with knowledge about the concept,” said Dr Mavunga.

The move has been hailed as a bold step towards reclaiming the country’s cultural heritage and promoting values that were once integral to Zimbabwean society.

“We also engaged Chief Bunina Mkoba, and he even graced this place. We want this to also work in combating drug and substance abuse by the youths. This will be a safe haven for the youths from this area as well,” said Dr Mavunga.

By engaging elders in the upbringing of young people, the initiative aims to address social issues and strengthen community bonds.

In terms of fighting drug and substance abuse in the community, Dr Mavunga said the hub will work to promote healthy lifestyles and community well-being.

She said the hub will implement educational programmes and workshops that raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, targeting youth and vulnerable populations.

Dr Mavunga said the collaboration with local health institutions and community leaders will facilitate support networks for individuals struggling with addiction, offering counselling and rehabilitation services.

She added that the project concept was approved and is supported by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.

Chief Bunina Mkoba commended MTC for coming up with the centre, saying it speaks to the traditional means or ways in which the youths need to be taught so that they appreciate the importance of culture.

“I was moved by the hub, which I am told will provide resources and spaces for participants to engage in traditional practices, crafts, and entrepreneurship, fostering mentorship and skills development,” he said.

“The Mkoba Culture Hub is a commendable initiative that will reinforce national identity, social cohesion, and cultural pride while advancing Vision 2030 goals of sustainable development, economic diversification and inclusive prosperity.”