Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
THE construction of the Shangwe Cultural Village in Gokwe North is nearing completion, stirring excitement, pride and renewed hope among local communities as a long-cherished dream of cultural recognition takes shape.
In a major milestone, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has formally handed over the facility to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, clearing the way for final preparations ahead of its operationalisation.
Predominantly found in Gokwe North, the Shangwe community has for generations lacked formal platforms to showcase its rich heritage, despite growing recognition of culture as both a social asset and a catalyst for economic development.
Gokwe North Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Tasiiwa Munyawu, said the project embodies the Second Republic’s development philosophy of leaving no place and no one behind.
“The cultural village is expected to showcase the rich heritage of the Shangwe community while boosting local livelihoods. This initiative recognises culture not only as an identity marker, but also as an economic driver capable of transforming rural communities,” he said.
Mr Munyawu noted that once fully operational, the village is expected to strengthen cultural pride, create employment opportunities and enhance Zimbabwe’s tourism offering.
“We look forward to working closely with the responsible ministry to ensure the facility receives the necessary support to become fully operational. We want to see the Shangwe culture come alive here — from traditional artefacts to practices that define this community,” he said.
Mr Munyawu added that the cultural village is designed to preserve, document and celebrate the Shangwe way of life for future generations, while promoting cultural tourism and inclusive development in the Midlands Province.
Traditional leaders have welcomed the project as a historic breakthrough.
Headman Nembudziya described the establishment of the cultural village as a milestone for cultural recognition and economic inclusion in the area.
“I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for initiating a programme that places our community on the world map. We have unique products, from our food to our traditional festivities, which we are now ready to share with the world,” he said.
Headman Nembudziya expressed optimism that the cultural village will attract both domestic and international tourists, creating jobs and income-generating opportunities for surrounding communities.
“We are very happy with the level of development taking place in our area. We now look forward to employment opportunities at the facility and to welcoming visitors who want to experience the Shangwe and Tonga way of life,” he said.
The handover marks the completion of the first phase of the project, which includes key traditional structures such as the Gota/Nhanga and Dare — symbolic centres of community governance, social interaction and cultural continuity within the broader Shona tradition.
The layout reflects the interconnected nature of traditional life, while also highlighting the distinct cultural identity of the Shangwe people.
Once operational, the Shangwe Cultural Village is expected to become a major hub for heritage preservation, cultural tourism and local economic activity, further reinforcing Government’s drive to harness culture as a pillar of national development.
Bongani Ndlovu