Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
[email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has been hailed for boldly positioning culture as a powerful driver of tourism growth, investment, heritage preservation and cultural exports, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s march towards Vision 2030 through the creative economy.
The President’s visionary leadership came into sharp focus at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Thursday where he officially launched the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations under the theme, “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions.”
In a statement, Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Director for Communications and Advocacy, Ms Norah Takaindisa, said the launch signified Government’s growing commitment to unlocking the immense economic potential embedded in Zimbabwe’s rich Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries.
“The Culture and Heritage Tourism Cluster came alive at Barbourfields Stadium as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde. Dr ED Mnangagwa officially launched the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations under the theme ‘Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions,’” said Ms Takaindisa.
She said the commemorations spotlighted the increasing role of Culture and Heritage Tourism in driving socio-economic development, Community empowerment and Destination Zimbabwe promotion.
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa applauded Zimbabweans at home and abroad for establishing Community-Based Tourism products that preserve the country’s traditions while generating livelihoods and economic opportunities.
“In his keynote address, the President applauded Zimbabweans, including those in the Diaspora, for establishing Community-Based Tourism products that advance the country’s Heritage and traditional Cuisines, noting that Culture is good for business and remains a key pillar for Tourism growth, Investment and Cultural exports,” said Ms Takaindisa.
The President’s remarks were widely viewed as a strong endorsement of Zimbabwe’s Cultural and Creative sectors, which continue to gain international recognition as strategic pillars for economic growth and national identity.
President Mnangagwa also commended Gastronomy Tourism initiatives spearheaded by the Patron of Tourism, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, applauding Zimbabwean chefs and culinary experts for transforming local produce into authentic Indigenous cuisine that showcases the country’s Heritage to the world.
“The President also commended Gastronomy Tourism, an initiative being championed by the Patron of Tourism, Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, applauding Zimbabwean Chefs and culinary experts who transform the rich produce from the country’s land into authentic Indigenous Gastronomy that feeds, nourishes and showcases the Nation’s rich Cultural Heritage to the world.”
Ms Takaindisa said President Mnangagwa further reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s determination to use Cultural Tourism and the Creative Industries as vehicles for international engagement and national branding.
“He further underscored that through Cultural Tourism and the Creative Industries, Zimbabwe will continue projecting itself to the world as a confident, modernising and industrialising Nation anchored on its rich Heritage and diverse Cultural expressions,” she said.
As Culture Month celebrations gather momentum, all eyes are now on the highly anticipated Mbira Festival set for tomorrow at Baradzanwa Cultural Village.
“As Culture Month celebrations continue to gather momentum, all roads now lead to the highly anticipated Mbira Festival tomorrow, the 23rd of May 2026, at Baradzanwa Cultural Village, where the timeless sounds of the Mbira will connect generations and celebrate the heartbeat of Zimbabwean Culture.”
Organised through the Whole of Government Approach by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture through the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the festival is expected to showcase Zimbabwe’s thriving Cultural Tourism sector while preserving Heritage and attracting tourists.
Ms Takaindisa said the celebrations will culminate in the National Finals of the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions on May 25 in Mbizo, Kwekwe, where Zimbabwe’s Gastronomy Heritage and Culinary Creativity will take centre stage.
“Together, these events continue to position Zimbabwe as a vibrant Cultural Tourism destination where Tourists can experience the rhythm of Zimbabwe, the sound of our Heritage and the heartbeat of our Culture,” she said.
