Provincial Culture Month launch preparations on course

PREPARATIONS for the provincial Culture Month launches have begun in all the provinces, except for Matabeleland North.

May is celebrated as Culture Month in Zimbabwe, with various provincial events leading up to the main celebration on May 31, taking place at Chisumbanje’s Marega Primary School in Chipinge, Manicaland province.

This year’s theme is “Our Culture, Building Zimbabwe Brick by Brick”, and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) is overseeing the co-ordination of the events that primarily focus on promoting and developing arts.

Commemorations will take place in Bulawayo on May 29 at Amakhosi Cultural Centre, while in Matabeleland South, they will be held at the Matobo Cultural Centre on the same day. In Harare, commemorations will be at Cyril Jennings Hall in Highfield on May 24, while Mashonaland East will celebrate at St Francis of Assisi in Chikomba with Chief Chivese on June 1. Mashonaland Central, will celebrate with Chief Musana on May 31 at Chinyakare Heritage Site and Masvingo will hold their celebration on the same day at Mwenezi with Chief Negari. Midlands will celebrate at Chief Mataruse’s homestead in Mberengwa on May 29, while celebrations in Mashonaland West will occur at the Korekore Cultural Village with Chief Nemakonde.

Cleopatra Dube, the NACZ Bulawayo provincial arts manager, stated that preparations were on track for the event in the City of Kings and Queens, showcasing diverse cultures.

“Preparations are on track, with the venue secured at Amakhosi Cultural Centre. There will be performances of traditional and contemporary dance, theatre and comedy, primarily by artists from areas around Amakhosi. Exhibitors of various goods and services will also be present,” said Dube.

Percy Vela, the NACZ Matabeleland South provincial arts manager, expressed similar readiness for their event, which is hosted annually and traditionally, spearheaded by Chiefs, who are the custodians of culture.

“Districts rotate annually in hosting the launches, with previous celebrations slaughtering more than 20 beasts for the commemorations. Although the Culture Month is observed throughout May, the launch is a one-day programme. Various cultural activities will take place across the province, culminating in one major celebration. Matobo is prominently buzzed with excitement for this year’s events,” said Vela. — @mthabisi_mthire