Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SPORT, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Lieutenant-General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe has urged Zimbabweans to wear the national fabric with pride during the ongoing Culture Month.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Emily Jesaya yesterday, he enjoined Zimbabweans to celebrate the country’s rich cultural diversity and strengthen national identity.
“African apparel creates important expressions of cultural identity and diversity. Culture Month promotes Zimbabwean National Fabric and African apparel, while creating economic opportunities for local producers, designers and creative entrepreneurs,” said the minister.
In line with this year’s theme, “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030,” the minister urged Zimbabweans to remain united and celebrate their uniqueness.
“Zimbabwe is home to diverse languages, traditions, artistic expressions and heritage practices that define who we are as a people.
Cultural Month provides an opportunity for citizens across all provinces to celebrate this diversity while promoting unity, social cohesion and national pride.
“These celebrations are premised on the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which falls on the 21st of May annually, as proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001 following the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.” Minister Sanyatwe firmly believes that the preservation of cultural heritage was critical for future generations to understand their history at a time when Westernisation has diluted many cultures.
“The commemorations promote the preservation and transmission of Zimbabwean cultural heritage to future generations.
“Globalisation continues to threaten indigenous cultures and traditional knowledge systems. Culture Month, therefore, encourages communities, families and institutions to preserve cultural practices, values, languages and heritage sites for posterity.”
He also called for the preservation of local languages, which are critical in promoting identity.
“Indigenous African languages, including sign language, remain central to Zimbabwe’s cultural identity and national development agenda.
The ministry is promoting the use of indigenous African languages, including sign languages, in education, governance, commerce, and everyday communication.
“Language carries our history, mores, values and our worldview, making it critical for cultural preservation and inclusivity.”
“Culture Month reinforces the spirit of Ubuntu/Unhu and positive social values.
“The commemorations promote self-esteem, discipline, community solidarity, patriotism and moral values that define Zimbabwean society. Through cultural activities, communities are encouraged to embrace peaceful social coexistence and collective responsibility,” he remarked. The Minister hailed Government for decentralising Culture Month celebrations for inclusivity.
“Culture Month reflects the Government’s devolution agenda by ensuring participation from all provinces, districts and communities.
“The commemorations are decentralised and rotational, allowing every province to showcase its unique cultural heritage and creative talent. This approach ensures national inclusion and equal participation in cultural development initiatives.”
Minister Sanyatwe also expressed the Government’s desire to empower creative and cultural industries practitioners.
“Government is committed to empowering creatives and cultural practitioners as key contributors to the economy.
Visual artists, music performers, dancers, filmmakers, fashion and graphic designers, architects, writers and cultural entrepreneurs are important players in the cultural and creative economy.
“Culture Month creates markets, visibility and networking opportunities that enable creatives to commercialise their talent locally, regionally and internationally.” Added Minister Sanyatwe: “Culture Month is a platform to project Zimbabwean culture onto the global stage. The commemorations showcase Zimbabwe’s music, dance, fashion, gastronomy, literature, visual arts, film, spoken word and folklore to local, regional and international audiences. This strengthens cultural diplomacy and enhances Zimbabwe’s global cultural footprint.”
This year’s Culture Month main launch will be held on May 21 at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, the cultural capital.
President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour, while provincial commemorations across the country will be presided over by Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
“The Ministry encourages the public sector, the private sector, churches and all citizens to wear the National Fabric or any African apparel throughout the month of May, as demonstrated by His Excellency, the President Cde Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, and his Cabinet during the Cabinet sitting of the 21st of May 2026. Furthermore, the Ministry calls upon Zimbabweans to actively participate in both the National and Provincial Culture Month celebrations,” he added.
Last year’s Culture Month launch was held in Chiredzi, and the President presided over the event. Hordes of villagers filled Rusununguko Clinic Open Grounds under Chief Tsovani in the town.
After the main launch, attention will shift to a series of events, including the indigenous languages and cultural dialogue week. This time around, attention will be on Bulawayo, which is set to celebrate its rich dominance as the cultural capital of Zimbabwe.
Creatives like Albert Nyathi, the late Cont Mhlanga, Iyasa and Black Umfolosi have been at the forefront of promoting African culture with distinction, helping make it a rich cultural hub.
