Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu
TODAY marks the beginning of National Culture Month, with President Mnangagwa expected to officiate the main launch event in Masvingo.
The official launch, set to take place at the homestead of Chief Tshovani in Masvingo Province on a date to be announced, will celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and national identity. This was announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, during a Post-Cabinet Briefing held in Harare on Tuesday.
Observed annually from May 1 to 31, National Culture Month is led by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and is inspired by the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by Unesco and commemorated globally on May 21.
Dr Muswere said this year’s celebrations will run under the theme: “Celebrating Indigenous Voices”, with a detailed programme designed to honour and showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage across the 10 provinces.
“The National Culture Month launch will be presided over by His Excellency, the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, on a date to be advised, at the homestead of Chief Tshovani in Masvingo Province.
“The event will celebrate our national identity and diverse cultures. It will also highlight Zimbabwe’s cultural development milestones and its commitment to regional and international cultural protocols that support the growth of creative industries,” said Dr Muswere.
He outlined the week-by-week themes for the month-long celebration.
“The first week will focus on encouraging historical recipes and cooking techniques, connecting modern eaters to their culinary heritage.
“The second week will be an Indigenous Fashion Week where the colourful and unique forms of cultural wear will be rolled out.
“The third week is the National Culture Month launch, while the fourth week is the Indigenous Languages and Cultural Dialogue Week. It will be dedicated to recognising and celebrating indigenous voices through music, dance, visual displays, poetry, films and language workshops,” said Dr Muswere.
He encouraged Zimbabweans to embrace and promote their indigenous languages throughout May.
Each province is expected to schedule its own events, including Provincial Launches, where Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution will serve as Guests of Honour.
The overarching goal of the commemorations is to promote public appreciation of diverse cultural expressions both within Zimbabwe and globally, while enhancing national, regional and international cultural integration.
Last year’s main Culture Month celebration was hosted in Chisumbanje, Chipinge South, in Manicaland Province.
